#A Look at Chief Justices from 1992 to 2025: NPP =6, NDC =2
The Ghanaian judiciary has witnessed significant changes over the years, with various Chief Justices appointed by different presidents. From 1992 to 2025, a total of 8 Chief Justices have been appointed, with the majority coming from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
According to a review of appointments, the NPP has appointed 6 Chief Justices, while the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has appointed two. The NDC’s appointments include Philip Edward Neequaye and Isaac Kobina Donkor Abban, both appointed by President Jerry John Rawlings. However, subsequent NDC administrations under Presidents Mills and Mahama were not able to appoint any Chief Justices.
The NPP’s appointments include Edward Kwasi Wiredu, George Kingsley Acquah, and Georgina Theodora Wood, all appointed by President John Agyekum Kufuor.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has also appointed 3 Chief Justices, including Sophia Abenaa Boafoa, Kwasi Anin Yeboah, and Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
This disparity in appointments has raised questions about the influence of political parties on the judiciary. Some have argued that the NPP’s dominance in appointments has led to a judiciary that is skewed in favor of the party.
This disparity in appointments has led some to suggest that the NPP has had a greater influence on the judiciary, with some critics arguing that the party has “packed” the court with its appointees. The NDC, on the other hand, has been at a disadvantage, with limited opportunities to shape the judiciary.
The implications of this trend are significant, and raise questions about the independence and impartiality of the judiciary. As Ghana continues to navigate its democratic journey, it will be important to consider the role of political parties in shaping the judiciary, and to ensure that the appointment of Chief Justices is transparent, merit-based, and free from partisan influence.
The appointments of Chief Justices from 1992 to 2025 are as follows:
1. Philip Edward Neequaye (1992-1996) – Appointed by President Jerry John Rawlings (NDC)
2. Isaac Kobina Donkor Abban (1996-2001) – Appointed by President Jerry John Rawlings (NDC)
3. Edward Kwasi Wiredu (2001-2003) – Appointed by President John Agyekum Kufuor (NPP)
4. George Kingsley Acquah (2003-2007) – Appointed by President John Agyekum Kufuor (NPP)
5. Georgina Theodora Wood (2007-2017) – Appointed by President John Agyekum Kufuor (NPP)
6. Sophia Abenaa Boafoa Akuffo (2017-2019) – Appointed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo (NPP)
7. Kwasi Anin Yeboah (2020-2023) – Appointed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo (NPP)
8. Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo (2023-present) – Appointed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo (NPP)
These appointments have shaped the Ghanaian judiciary, and their impact will be felt for years to come. By: Alexander Afriyie