Justice Adjei calls for end to "Additional judges" practice in lower courts

Supreme Court nominee, Justice Dennis Dominic Adjei, has called for an end to the controversial practice of assigning superior court judges to preside over cases in lower courts, arguing that it undermines judicial independence and deviates from international norms.

Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, 16 June 2025, Justice Adjei described the system—where judges from higher courts serve as “additional judges” in lower courts—as outdated, unnecessary, and susceptible to undue influence.

Justice Adjei, who also sits on the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, said his study of constitutional frameworks across Africa revealed no precedent for such judicial crossover. He argued that maintaining strict boundaries between court levels was key to preserving the integrity of the bench.

He warned that continuing this arrangement risks compromising both institutional independence and public trust in the justice system.