Chief Justice recommends 5 judges for Supreme Court nomination

Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has formally requested that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo nominate five judges to the Supreme Court of Ghana. This significant move aims to bolster the judiciary with highly qualified and experienced legal minds.

The nominees include Justice Afia Serwaa Asare Botchwey, who is currently presiding over the controversial ambulance trial involving the Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.

The others are Justice Cyra Pamela Koranteng, Justice Eric Kyei Baffour, Justice Edward Amoako Asante and Justice Angelina Mensah Homiah.

In a letter dated May 30, Chief Justice Torkornoo outlined the qualifications and current roles of the nominees to President Akufo-Addo.

She highlighted the remarkable tenure of Justice Edward Amoako Asante at the ECOWAS Court of Justice. Justice Asante’s term at the ECOWAS court officially concluded on July 31, 2022. However, due to the geopolitical developments in the region, notably the withdrawal of Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso from the community, he was requested to remain in his post to ensure continuity and stability.

Chief Justice Torkornoo noted that Justice Asante’s extended tenure is set to conclude in 2026, or potentially earlier, at which point he is expected to return to serve within Ghana’s judiciary system.

His anticipated return and subsequent nomination to the Supreme Court are seen as a strategic move to leverage his extensive experience and the insights he has gained from his time at the regional court.

“Justice Asante’s term of office at the ECOWAS court ended on July 31, 2022. He was requested to remain at post on account of the withdrawal of Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso from the community. His current tenure is expected to end in 2026 or earlier when he is expected to return to Ghana’s Judiciary.”

Below is the full list of recommended judges.