Guard Against Cynicism – Mahama Urges New Court of Appeal Justices

President John Dramani Mahama has called on newly sworn-in Justices of the Court of Appeal to uphold integrity, strengthen public confidence in the judiciary, and resist the rising tide of cynicism surrounding the justice system.

The President made the call on Thursday, October 2, 2025, during a ceremony at which 21 High Court Judges were elevated to the Court of Appeal.

Acknowledging growing public scrutiny of judicial decisions, President Mahama said criticisms of judgments should not be viewed as a threat but rather as a sign that Ghanaians still place hope in the courts.

“In recent times, our courts have not escaped criticisms. Citizens have openly and sometimes harshly questioned judicial decisions. But I want to say clearly—criticism of judgments is not the end of hope; it is the evidence of hope,” he noted.

He stressed that while constructive criticism is healthy for democracy, cynicism—the belief that the courts serve only the powerful—must be guarded against.

“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 also marked the appointment of notable personalities, including Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, who now joins the appellate bench.

Other Appointees to the Court of Appeal:

• 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

President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the judiciary to deliver justice fairly, transparently, and efficiently.