Supreme Court at 150 Anniversary Committee pays courtesy call on Speaker Bagbin

The Supreme Court’s 150th Anniversary Planning Committee has paid a courtesy call on Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin as preparations intensify for the commemoration of Ghana’s highest court.

The delegation, led by Justice Richard Adjei-Frimpong, a Justice of the Supreme Court and Chairman of the committee, visited the Speaker at Parliament House on Thursday to brief him on activities planned for the anniversary.

The celebration, scheduled for July 2 to July 31, 2026, is being held under the theme: “Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present and Defining the Future.”

Justice Adjei-Frimpong said the anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the Supreme Court’s journey from its colonial origins in 1876 to its present role as a key guardian of Ghana’s constitutional democracy.

He noted that over the past three decades, the Court had played a central role in constitutional interpretation, democratic governance and the development of Ghana’s legal system.

As part of the anniversary programme, Speaker Bagbin is expected to deliver a lecture in Accra on July 23 on the theme: “The Supreme Court in the Light of the 1992 Constitution: Taking Stock and Looking Forward.”

Receiving the delegation, Speaker Bagbin welcomed the planned celebration and assured the Judiciary of Parliament’s support.

He said the anniversary should be used not only to honour the history of the Court but also to strengthen cooperation between Parliament and the Judiciary.

According to him, closer engagement between the two institutions would help deepen understanding of their respective constitutional roles and reduce avoidable conflicts.

The Speaker said lawmakers were not judges, but they needed to understand judicial reasoning and constitutional boundaries in order to improve the quality of legislation.

He therefore called for structured workshops and exchanges between Parliament and the Judiciary on legislative procedure, constitutional interpretation and institutional practice.

Mr Bagbin also urged the committee to consider extending some of the anniversary activities beyond Accra to regional capitals so that citizens across the country could take part in the celebration.

He said the Supreme Court belongs to the people and its history should be shared widely.

The Speaker further stressed the importance of accountability, discipline and the rule of law in Ghana’s democracy.

He said public office holders must always remember that they hold office in trust for the people and should be prepared to account for their actions.

Justice Adjei-Frimpong said the celebration would allow the Judiciary, government and citizens to assess the Court’s contribution and consider its future role over the next 50 to 100 years.

Deputy Majority Leader Kweku Ricketts-Hagan assured the committee that Parliament would support the anniversary activities.

The Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, also commended the Supreme Court for its evolution and contribution to Ghana’s justice system.