President John Dramani Mahama, on Thursday, July 3, administered the oath of office to seven new justices of the Supreme Court at the Jubilee House.

The ceremony marks a significant expansion of Ghana’s apex court, as the judiciary prepares to handle an increasingly heavy caseload, particularly involving constitutional and electoral matters ahead of the 2024 general elections.

The appointments—made in line with Article 144 of the 1992 Constitution—followed the necessary constitutional processes, including advice from the Judicial Council, consultation with the Council of State, and parliamentary approval through the Appointments Committee.

The new justices are Justice Senyo Dzamefe, Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei, Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh, Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo, Justice Philip Bright Mensah, Justice Janapare Bartels-Kodwo, and Justice Hafisata Amaleboba.

All seven bring years of experience from the Court of Appeal.

While President Mahama used the occasion to emphasise the importance of integrity, fairness, and impartiality in the judicial process, not everyone has welcomed the move without reservation.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has raised concerns, suggesting the appointments may be politically motivated.

However, such criticisms must be weighed against the growing reality of judicial workload pressures.

From a practical perspective, and based on multiple media reports in recent months, the Supreme Court has faced a mounting caseload—stretching timelines and affecting delivery.

In my opinion, expanding the bench is not only lawful but necessary.

Regardless of political interpretations, the judicial system must be adequately resourced to function effectively.

For a court tasked with interpreting the Constitution, resolving electoral disputes, and handling complex civil and criminal appeals, having more hands ensures timely justice and reduces the risk of bottlenecks.

The focus now must shift from political rhetoric to performance—ensuring these new justices serve with distinction, as President Mahama charged them to do.

Source: Liberalprint.com

Paul Nana Kwabena Aborampah Mensah, the Programme Manager for Security Sector Governance at the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has expressed shock over the Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision to organize a rerun of the 2024 parliamentary election in 19 polling stations within the Ablekuma North Constituency.

Aborampah Mensah said the EC’s latest decision contradicts its earlier communication while reacting to the news on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey on Thursday, July 3.

“I was a bit amazed and shocked when I heard and I read the press statement. I say this because of multiple communications from the Electoral Commission prior to this release,” he said.

According to him, the EC had previously maintained that only three polling stations were outstanding, and that measures were in place to collate those results.

“One on radio, letters, first letter to Dampare to provide security for them to collate the outstanding three and to them they had all the things that enabled them to collate the others, the only outstanding of the three, one to Yuhuno when he took over from Dampare,” he noted.

He further referenced a meeting between EC Commissioner Bossman Asare and Parliament, during which the EC reiterated that only three polling stations were pending collation.

“The third one was Bossman Asare meeting with Parliament and repeating the stand of the Electoral Commission that they were left with only three outstanding stations to collate.

“So I was surprised of the U-turn when I saw and read the statement yesterday,” he added.

The Electoral Commission, on Wednesday, July 2, announced a fresh parliamentary election in 19 polling stations in Ablekuma North.

The rerun is scheduled for Friday, July 11, 2025, following months of unresolved tension between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over the disputed 2024 parliamentary results in the constituency.

Source: Liberalprint.com

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged deeper cooperation with Ghana, describing the Order of the Star of Ghana—the country’s highest national honour—as both a privilege and a responsibility to strengthen the enduring ties between the two nations.

Modi received the award at a state banquet hosted by President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, during his official visit to Accra.

In his acceptance speech, the Indian leader extended his appreciation to the people and Government of Ghana, noting that the honour reflects more than recognition—it signals a renewed call to action.

“This honour is also a responsibility to keep working towards a stronger India–Ghana friendship,” he said.

“India will always stand with the people of Ghana and continue to contribute as a trusted friend and development partner.”

On his official X account, Modi dedicated the award to “the bright future of our youth, their aspirations, our rich cultural diversity and the historical ties between India and Ghana.”

Earlier in the day, Modi held bilateral and delegation-level talks with President Mahama after arriving in Accra.

The two leaders oversaw the signing of four memoranda of understanding, covering cultural exchange, traditional medicine (Ayurveda), trade standards, and structured ministerial dialogue—key areas expected to shape future collaboration.

One of the major outcomes of the visit was the decision to upgrade diplomatic ties between India and Ghana to what both governments called a Comprehensive Partnership—a significant leap from previous cooperation frameworks.

President Mahama, speaking at the banquet, hailed Modi as a “global statesman of transformational leadership,” commending his efforts in reshaping India’s digital economy and his strong advocacy for South–South cooperation.

Modi also reaffirmed India’s commitment to Ghana’s development agenda, pledging increased support in youth training, digital technology, healthcare, infrastructure, defence, and mining.

He expressed particular interest in Ghana’s flagship agricultural initiative, the Feed Ghana programme.

Source: Liberalprint.com