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.
The nominees are Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, both of the Court of Appeal, and private legal practitioner Tony Forson, a former President of the Ghana Bar Association.
The nominations were made in consultation with the Judicial Council, in line with Article 144 of the 1992 Constitution, which requires the President to consult the Council before appointing Justices of the Supreme Court, subject to approval by Parliament.
Justice Edward Amoako Asante brings extensive judicial experience to the Supreme Court nomination. He previously served as President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice before returning to Ghana to serve on the Court of Appeal.
Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah has also built a distinguished career on the Bench, having served as a Justice of the Court of Appeal with considerable experience in adjudication.
Tony Forson, the only nominee from private legal practice, is a seasoned lawyer and former President of the Ghana Bar Association. He has played an active role in Ghana’s legal profession over several years.
The three nominees are expected to appear before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for vetting. Following the vetting process, the committee will submit its recommendations to Parliament for consideration and approval.
If approved by Parliament and subsequently sworn into office by President Mahama, the nominees will join the Supreme Court bench as Justices of the country’s highest court.
The Supreme Court is Ghana’s final court of appeal and has jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters. It also has exclusive original jurisdiction in matters relating to the interpretation and enforcement of the Constitution, as well as disputes arising from presidential elections and other constitutional issues.
Should all three nominations receive parliamentary approval, the number of serving Supreme Court Justices will increase from 18 to 21, boosting the capacity of the apex court to handle constitutional, civil and criminal cases.