Judges decide cases on law, not appointing authority — Justice Amoako Asante

Supreme Court nominee Justice Edward Amoako Asante says judges owe their duty to the law and must not allow appointing authorities or outside influences to affect their decisions.

He made the point when he appeared before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

Justice Asante is one of three nominees put forward by President John Dramani Mahama for appointment to the Supreme Court.

Responding to questions on judicial independence, he said the oath taken by judges requires them to act fairly and impartially in all cases.

“As a judge when you’re appointed, you swear an oath which you go by; that is a very important thing that you do to ensure fairness and equity to all manner of persons who appear before you,” he said.

He explained that the work of a judge is to assess the facts presented in court and apply the law to those facts.

According to him, judicial decisions must not be influenced by personal considerations or loyalty to the person who made the appointment.

“Judges decide on cases by the facts before them; then you apply the law to the facts. Judges do not go mingling with the appointing authority just because they appointed you,” he said.

Justice Asante said maintaining an independent mind is central to the role of a judge.

He said judges must be able to withstand pressure, whether direct or indirect, in order to perform their duties properly.

“Independence of mind is very important, and that is why I have got to where I am now. I have independence of mind to withstand all kinds of influences, if any, to do my job,” he added.

Justice Asante currently serves on the Court of Appeal and previously served as President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice.

His comments formed part of the committee’s scrutiny of his suitability for elevation to Ghana’s apex court.