Up your game to be taken seriously – Supreme Court nominee advises women
Supreme Court judge nominee Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah has advised Ghanaian women to work hard to be taken seriously in their various fields of endeavour.
She made these remarks during her vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.
Speaking on her experiences as a woman, she explained how her hard work propelled her up the ladder in male-dominated fields.
“I have been a state attorney and worked in corporate before joining the bench. In the beginning, you go through some slight, I won’t say bullying, but you are not taken seriously. So as a woman, you need to actually work hard, make sure you are on top of your area of expertise to be able to deliver advice which cannot be challenged,” she said.
Justice Essah also urged women to study and do more research to be able to understand their work so others can appreciate and accept their contributions.
“You will begin to gain the respect of your peers and other people who may become exposed to your decision or your advice. So if it is advice to young ladies, I will say hard work and work pays,” the Supreme Court nominee stressed.
Justice Bernasko Essah has an extensive background as a State Attorney, private legal practitioner, and as Justice of the High Court and Court of Appeal.
An objection by Bawku Central Member of Parliament (MP) Mahama Ayariga against President Nana Akufo-Addo’s appointment triggered the back-and-forth which lasted beyond an hour.
Mr Ayariga had challenged the president’s authority to appoint more than nine justices to the Supreme Court.
According to the legislator, the 1992 Constitution of Ghana stipulates the apex court should consist of the Chief Justice and “not less than nine” other justices.