Guard against cynicism – Mahama to new Court of Appeal Justices

President John Dramani Mahama has urged the newly sworn-in Justices of the Court of Appeal to remain steadfast in their commitment to justice and resist the growing wave of public cynicism towards the judiciary.

Speaking at a swearing-in ceremony held on Thursday, October 2, where 21 High Court Judges were elevated to the Court of Appeal, President Mahama acknowledged the rising public scrutiny of judicial decisions in Ghana but stressed that criticism is not a threat to the judiciary—it is a sign of public trust.

“In recent times, our courts have not escaped criticisms. Citizens have openly and sometimes harshly questioned judicial decisions,” the President noted. “But I want to say clearly— criticism of judgments is not the end of hope; it is the evidence of hope. It shows that Ghanaians still believe in the courts, that justice still matters, and that verdicts have meaning in their lives.”

However, he cautioned against allowing public discourse to descend into pessimism or distrust in the justice system.

“What we must guard against is cynicism—the corrosive belief that the courts no longer serve the people but only the powerful in society,” he warned.

The swearing-in ceremony saw the appointment of several notable figures, including Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, who now joins the appellate bench.

Justice Senyo Amedahe, Koforidua High Court
Justice Olivia Boeng Owusu
Justice Douglas Seidu
Justice Ali Baba Bature
Justice Mariama Samo
Justice Abena Adzin Doku
Justice Mary Maame Akua Yanzu
Justice Justin Dorgu
Justice George Boadi
Justice Ayitey Armah-Tetteh
Justice Jennifer Anne Myers Ahmed
Justice John Bosco Nabarese
Justice Kwasi Anokye Gyimah
Justice Richmond Osei Hwere
Justice Apangano Achibonga
Justice Charity Akosua Asem
Justice Enyonam Adinyira
Justice Shiela Minta
Justice Bridget Kafui Antonio
Justice Franklina Gesila Adanu