President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed worry over the tendency where persons who commit grave crimes are given lower sentences compared to minor ones.
The President cited instances where persons arrested for instance, over environmental crimes including illegal mining are given lenient sentences while others who may have stolen domestic animals are given harsher ones.
President Akufo-Addo made the point when he swore in four justices of the Supreme Court at a ceremony at the Jubilee House. He charged the new Judges to be guided by the “Concept of deterrence” as part of the sentencing policy, especially in areas of great social concern.
The newly sworn in Justices are Samuel Marful-Sau, Agnes Dordzie, from the Appeals Court; Nene Amegatcher, former President of the Ghana Bar Association; and Prof Nii Ashie Kotey, former Dean of the Faculty of Law- University of Ghana. The four brings the number of Justices at the Supreme Court to 15 including the Chief Justice.
President Akufo Addo congratulated the four, saying they have met the stringent requirements of Article 128(4) of the Constitution. The president said the four have the independence of spirit, proven integrity, high moral character, and impartiality of mind to hold this high office.
He bemoaned the situation where judges proffer judgements on the basis of decisions from lower courts and cite them as law, describing them as unacceptable.
Mr. Justice Marful-Sau,who spoke on behalf of his colleagues said their appointment is a call to serve Ghana.
He bemoaned the situation where judges proffer judgements on the basis of decisions from lower courts and cite them as law, describing them as unacceptable.
Mr. Justice Marful-Sau,who spoke on behalf of his colleagues said their appointment is a call to serve Ghana.
They new Justices took the Oath of Office, Secrecy and allegiance.
