President Mahama Elevates 21 to the Court of Appeal Bench

Published October 3, 2025

In line with Article 144(3) of the 1992 Constitution, President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in 21 distinguished members of the legal community- comprising serving Justices of the High Court and private legal practitioners – to the Court of Appeal.

The swearing-in ceremony follows nomination by the President, vetting and approval by the Judicial Council in keeping with the constitutional process.

Among those elevated are Apangano Achibonga, Richmond Osei Hwere, Kwasi Anokye Gyimah, Enyonam Adinyira and Franklina Adanu.

Significantly, Justice Olivia Obeng Owusu, who was only recently sworn in as President of the Association of Magistrates and Judges, Ghana (AMJG), was also among those elevated to the Court of Appeal. Her dual role clearly underscores both her professional standing and the confidence reposed in her leadership within the judiciary.

Presidential Address

In his remarks, President Mahama underscored that justice delivery in Ghana must become more efficient and accessible. He outlined key priorities:

• Digitisation of the courts to ensure that adjournments and delays no longer frustrate ordinary citizens.
• Creation of specialised divisions at the High Court and Court of Appeal to handle land disputes, commercial cases, and labour matters that too often drag on for years.
• Time-bound case management systems, to ensure that swift proceedings
• Expansion of legal aid services, guaranteeing that justice is not a privilege for the wealthy but a right for all Ghanaians.
• Strengthening judicial ethics and accountability, so that misconduct and corruption find no place within the courts.

Role of the Court of Appeal

IT bears recalling that the Court of Appeal is the second-highest court of the land, immediately below the Supreme Court. Under Article 137 of the Constitution, the Court of Appeal  is mandated to hear and determine appeals from the High Courts and other lower courts, as well as any additional appellate jurisdiction conferred by law. Unlike the Supreme Court and High Court, the Court of Appeal does not exercise original jurisdiction—save in parliamentary election petitions, where it serves as the final court of determination.

The full list of the nominees as follows:

1. Justin Dorgu
2. Daniel Mensah (Dormaahene)
3. George Boadi
4. Ayitey Armah-Tetteh
5. Senyo Amedahe
6. Olivia Obeng Owusu
7. Douglas Seidu
8. Ali Baba Bature
9. Mariama Samo
10. Abena Adzin Doku
11. Mary Maame Akua Yanzu
12. Jennifer Anne Myers Ahmed
13. John Bosco Nabarese
14. Kwasi Anokye Gyimah
15. Richmond Osei Hwere
16. Apangano Achibonga
17. Charity Akosua Asem
18. Enyonam Adinyira
19. Shiela Minta
20. Bridget Kafui Antonio
21. Franklina Gesila Adanu