President John Dramani Mahama is reportedly poised to elevate 21 High Court judges to the Court of Appeal in a major judicial shake-up aimed at enhancing the efficiency and depth of Ghana’s appellate justice system.
Among the appointees is Justice Daniel Mensah, the Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area, known traditionally as the Dormaahene, whose inclusion underscores the intersection of traditional leadership and modern jurisprudence.
According to an asaaseradio.com report, among the newly appointed justices is Justice Daniel Mensah, the Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area, popularly known as Dormaahene. His inclusion has drawn national interest due to his unique combination of traditional leadership and judicial service at the superior court level.
However, the appointments have not come without scrutiny. At least three of the elevated judges have been associated with controversial rulings that have sparked widespread public debate in recent months.
Justice Senyo Amedahe, for instance, delivered the ruling in the Akwatia contempt case, which many legal analysts described as unorthodox. The Supreme Court later overturned his decision and barred him from presiding over any further matters related to the Akwatia parliamentary election.
Justice Ali Baba Bature also came under heavy criticism for his refusal to grant an injunction against the Electoral Commission’s decision to rerun parliamentary elections in 19 polling stations in the Ablekuma North constituency. His ruling was seen by some as judicial overreach in a politically sensitive matter.
Similarly, Justice Kwasi Anokye Gyimah stirred controversy after opting to restart the criminal trial of former COCOBOD boss Dr. Stephen Opuni from scratch, despite strong objections from the Attorney General. His decision has been blamed for significant delays in one of Ghana’s most high-profile corruption cases.
Nonetheless, the promotions reflect a conscious effort to achieve regional and gender diversity on the Court of Appeal bench. Women make up more than one-third of the newly appointed judges.
Full List of Newly Appointed Court of Appeal Justices:
- Justin Dorgu
- Daniel Mensah (Dormaahene)
- George Boadi
- Ayitey Armah-Tetteh
- Senyo Amedahe
- Olivia Boeng Owusu
- Douglas Seidu
- Ali Baba Bature
- Mariama Samo
- Abena Adzin Doku
- Mary Maame Akua Yanzu
- Jennifer Anne Myers Ahmed
- John Bosco Nabarese
- Kwasi Anokye Gyimah
- Richmond Osei Hwere
- Apangano Achibonga
- Charity Akosua Asem
- Enyonam Adinyira
- Shiela Minta
- Bridget Kafui Antonio
- Franklina Gesila Adanu
The newly appointed judges are expected to be sworn in at the Jubilee House in the coming days. President Mahama, who is expected to administer the oath, has previously criticized the erstwhile Akufo-Addo administration for what he termed “court-packing” within the judiciary.
Sources familiar with the latest appointments indicate that the elevation of 21 judges to the Court of Appeal at once may itself be viewed as a strategic attempt by the Mahama administration to reshape the upper bench. These new appointments follow the recent elevation of seven Appeal Court judges to the Supreme Court.
