President John Dramani Mahama has nominated two Justices of the Court of Appeal and a former President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) for appointment to the Supreme Court, a move that will expand the membership of Ghana’s highest court if approved by Parliament.
The nominees are Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah and Justice Edward Amoako Asante, both serving Justices of the Court of Appeal, as well as private legal practitioner Tony Forson, a former President of the Ghana Bar Association.
The nominations were made in consultation with the Judicial Council in accordance with the provisions of the 1992 Constitution, which requires the President to consult the Council before appointing Justices of the Supreme Court, subject to parliamentary approval.
Justice Edward Amoako Asante brings extensive judicial experience to the role, having previously served as President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice before returning to the Ghanaian judiciary as a Justice of the Court of Appeal.
Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah has also built a distinguished career within the judiciary, serving on the Court of Appeal and gaining considerable experience in the administration of justice.
Mr Tony Forson, the only nominee from private legal practice, is a respected member of the legal fraternity and a former President of the Ghana Bar Association, with decades of experience in legal practice and public service.
The three nominees are expected to appear before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for vetting before the committee submits its recommendations to the House for consideration and approval.
If approved by Parliament and subsequently sworn into office by the President, the nominees will assume office as Justices of the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court serves as Ghana’s apex court with final appellate jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters.
It also exercises exclusive original jurisdiction in matters relating to constitutional interpretation and enforcement, as well as disputes arising from presidential elections and other constitutional issues.
