Mahama nominates three to Supreme Court bench
President John Dramani Mahama has nominated two Court of Appeal judges and a former President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) for appointment to the Supreme Court, a decision that would expand the bench of Ghana’s highest court if Parliament approves the nominations.
The nominees are Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, both serving on the Court of Appeal, and Tony Forson, a private legal practitioner and former GBA President.
The appointments were made in consultation with the Judicial Council, in line with the 1992 Constitution, which requires the President to consult the Council before nominating Supreme Court justices, subject to parliamentary approval.
Justice Amoako Asante brings considerable judicial experience, having previously served as President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice before returning to the Court of Appeal in Ghana.
Justice Bernasko Essah has also built an extensive judicial career through her service on the Court of Appeal, while Tony Forson has spent many years in private legal practice and previously led the Ghana Bar Association.
The three nominees are expected to appear before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for vetting. Following the committee’s recommendations, Parliament will decide whether to approve their appointments.
If confirmed and sworn into office by the President, they will join the Supreme Court, which serves as Ghana’s highest judicial body with final authority over civil and criminal appeals, constitutional interpretation, and presidential election disputes.
Approval of all three nominees would increase the number of Supreme Court justices from 18 to 21, enhancing the court’s capacity to handle its growing caseload.
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