By Ashiadey Dotse
Supreme Court Justice nominee, Justice Senyo Dzamefe, has firmly rejected suggestions to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court and Appeal Court judges from 70 to 75 years.
Speaking at his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, 16 June, Justice Dzamefe made it clear that he supports keeping the current retirement age at 70.
“I will not agree with sending the retirement ages of Supreme Court or Appeal Court judges to 75. No,” he said plainly. “The retirement age as at now is 70. Superior court judges retire on their salaries.”
He explained that in the past, older judges were more respected because their experience added value to their decisions. However, modern technology now gives younger judges quicker access to knowledge and legal resources.
“Before, you needed many years to gather knowledge and experience, but now, technology makes it possible to learn faster,” he said.
Justice Dzamefe also believes it is better for judges to retire while still healthy, so they can continue to help the justice system in other ways.
“I want judges to retire very healthy so they can assist as assessors or support the judiciary in other ways,” he added.
He concluded by stating clearly: “So I think we maintain it at 70 as at now. That is my opinion.”
