Overlook your vetting challenges – President Akufo-Addo to Justice Honyenuga

President Nana Akufo-Addo has advised new Supreme Court judge, Justice Clemence Honyenuga, to overlook the challenges at his vetting that threatened to stop his promotion to the highest court of the land.

After overcoming a gruelling screening, at which the opposition members threatened to spoil his party, Justice Clemence Jackson Honyenuga has been sworn-in as a Supreme Court judge.

“I know you have had a somewhat difficult few weeks in the run-up to today. Happily, you comported yourself in a dignified manner, and I can only urge you to overlook these events, which should be a mere blip on your public career and dispense Justice in accordance with your conscience and the rule of law,” President Akufo-Addo said at the ceremony at the Jubilee House.

Also to swear the Oath of Allegiance, the Judicial Oath and the Oath of Secrecy alongside Justice Honyenuga on Friday was Justice Issifu Omoro Tanko.

Both Justices have met the stringent requirements of Article 128 clause (4) of the Constitution.

The President urged the two legal brains to help develop the country’s legal system with their rich experience on the Bar and the Bench.

Justice Honyenuga met uncompromising opposition members of the National Democratic Congress on the Appointments Committee, who threatened to block his progress to the apex court. This was after the judge, who is also a Paramount chief in the Nyagbo Traditinal Area, was reported to have heaped praises on the President and endorsed him for a second term, when he visited the Afadjato District last year.

The NDC legislators accused him of breaching the Judicial Service Code of ethics that enjoined the Court of Appeal judge and others of his status to stay politically neutral.

He later apologised for the action but insisted that he was just a spokesman for his peers and on behalf of his people to lobby developmental projects.

‘I’m sorry’ – Supreme Court judge apologizes for endorsing Akufo-Addo

President Akufo-Addo said the two have also demonstrated the independence of spirit, proven integrity, high moral character, and impartiality of mind to hold the high office.

The President pointed out that the swearing-in ceremony of Justice Tanko Amadu meant this was the first time in Ghana’s history a Moslem had been appointed to the highest court of the land.

Below are some photos