Justice Dzamefe: Court rulings are based on evidence, not friendships

Supreme Court nominee, Justice Senyo Dzamefe, has reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to impartiality, stating that court rulings are strictly based on facts and evidence, not personal relationships or affiliations.

His comments came in response to questions about judicial independence, particularly in cases where judges may have prior connections with individuals or institutions involved.

Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, June 16, Justice Dzamefe dismissed claims that social or professional associations influence judicial decisions.

Justice Dzamefe explained that while judges may interact with legal professionals or engage with associations, however, those interactions do not compromise their neutrality or the integrity of their rulings.

He said, “Mr. Chairman, as judges, we base our decisions on the evidence and the facts, not on friendship. So if I follow someone, not for me, but for the association, I was talking to the association, and that person appeared for any but not necessarily my cause. The decision will be based on the facts and the evidence, not because of an association.”