Judgements are based on “evidence not on friendships” – Dzamefe – Nsemkeka
Supreme Court judge nominee Justice Senyo Dzamefe today unequivocally declared his commitment to judicial impartiality, stating that his judgments are rooted solely in “evidence, not on friendships.”
This crucial affirmation of objectivity came during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, June 16, 2025.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, had queried the judge on a past comment he made that judges had to lobby friends in government in order for the finance ministry to release funds for effective operations.
The MP was of the view that relying on friends for such interventions could impact justice delivery involving the same persons.
Justice Dzamefe’s commitment to the rule of law underscores a fundamental tenet of justice systems worldwide: that legal decisions must be based on the facts presented and the applicable law, rather than personal connections, affiliations, or any form of bias.
For a nominee to Ghana’s highest court, such a declaration is vital in assuring the public and stakeholders of the judiciary’s independence and integrity.
The vetting process before Parliament’s Appointments Committee, currently chaired by First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor, is a critical step in Ghana’s constitutional framework.
It provides an avenue for Members of Parliament to scrutinise the temperament, legal philosophy, and commitment to the rule of law of individuals nominated for high judicial office.
Questions often touch upon nominees’ past rulings, their understanding of constitutional principles, and their views on judicial independence.
Justice Dzamefe’s assertion directly addresses common public concerns about potential influences on the judiciary, whether from political quarters, personal relationships, or other external pressures.
His emphasis on “evidence” as the sole determinant in judgement is designed to build confidence in the fairness and transparency of the judicial process, a cornerstone for the rule of law and democratic governance.
The nominee’s appearance is part of a series of vetting for Supreme Court judicial nominees referred by the Speaker to the Appointments Committee, as part of President John Dramani Mahama’s nominations to the Apex Court.
The process aims to ensure that only individuals of sound knowledge, integrity, and unshakeable commitment to justice ascend to the Supreme Court bench.