Mahama nominates three as Justices of the Supreme Court

President John Dramani Mahama has nominated three persons for appointment to the Supreme Court.

They are Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, Justice Edward Amoako Asante and Mr Tony Forson.

Justice Essah and Justice Asante are both Justices of the Court of Appeal, while Mr Forson is a private legal practitioner and former President of the Ghana Bar Association.

The nominations were made in consultation with the Judicial Council, as required by the 1992 Constitution.

The nominees will now be expected to appear before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for vetting.

After the vetting, the committee will submit its report and recommendations to the full House for consideration and approval.

If approved by Parliament, the nominees will take the oath of office before assuming their roles as Justices of the Supreme Court.

Justice Edward Amoako Asante brings years of judicial experience to the nomination.

He previously served as President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice before returning to Ghana’s Court of Appeal.

Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah has also served on the Court of Appeal and has built considerable experience within the Judiciary.

Mr Tony Forson, the only nominee from private legal practice, is a former President of the Ghana Bar Association and has been active in Ghana’s legal profession for many years.

The Supreme Court is Ghana’s highest court.

It has final appellate jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters and exclusive original jurisdiction in constitutional interpretation and enforcement.

The court also determines presidential election disputes and other major constitutional questions.

If all three nominees are approved, the number of serving Supreme Court Justices will increase from 18 to 21.

The appointments are expected to strengthen the court’s capacity to handle its growing constitutional, civil and criminal caseload.