Henry Anthony Kwofie

Last updated
Justice
Henry Anthony Kwofie
Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana
Incumbent
Assumed office
3 January 2024
Alma mater
ProfessionJudge

Anthony Henry Kwofie is a Ghanaian judge, an active justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana and president of the Association of Magistrates and Justices of Ghana. [1] [2] [3]

Contents

Early life and education

Kwofie was born on 12 May 1960. He hails from Ainyinase, in the Ellembele District of the Western Region. He had his early education at the Bibiani Catholic Boys' primary school at Bibiani in the Western North Region of Ghana and the Methodist Middle School in Ainyisane in the Ellembele District of the Western Region. He proceeded to Half Assini Senior High School where he obtained his Ordinary Level certificate (O-Level) and continued at Navrongo Senior High School, where he obtained his Advanced Level certificate (A-Level). He had his tertiary education at the University of Ghana, Legon where he studied law for his Bachelor of Laws degree and proceeded to the Ghana School of Law, where he was awarded his Barrister-at-Law certificate. Kwofie was consequently called the bar on 3 October 1986. [1] [4]

Career

Following his education at the University of Ghana, Kwofie taught at Nungua Senior High School from October 1984 until September 1986. In February 1988, he entered private practice as an Associate Solicitor and Barrister at the Adansiman Chambers and Co. Legal Practitioners in Kumasi, and after ten years of working in that capacity, Kwofie joined the Office of Revenue Commissioners in Kumasi, where he worked as a Legal Officer and Revenue Commissioner. In November 1993, Kwofie was appointed Regional Director and Senior Legal Officer at the Commission of Human Rights and Administrative Justice. [1] [4] In October 1997 he was sent to Cape Coast, Central Region to work in the same capacity until August 1998, when he joined the Judicial Service of Ghana following his appointment as Circuit Judge. He was first stationed in Tepa, and after two years, he was transferred to Takoradi. On 14 March 2004, Kwofie was appointed Justice of the High Court of Ghana, and in 2005, he served as a Commercial Court judge in Accra. He served in this capacity until October 2010, when he was transferred to Koforidua to serve on the High Court bench in Koforidua. In January 2015, he was appointed Justice of the Appeal Court of Ghana. [1] [4] In 2016 Kwofie served on the article 146 Committee for the Impeachment of Justice Ringo Cass Azumah and in 2017, he served on the 146 Committees for the Impeachment Justice Charles Quist and Justice Ayisi Addo. On 29 September 2021 he became president of the Association of Magistrates and Justices of Ghana. [1] [4]

Supreme Court appointment

Nomination

In July 2023, the president of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo was advised by the Judicial Council in consultation with the Council of State under article 144(2) of the constitution of Ghana to nominate Kwofie together with two other judges (Justice Yaw Darko Asare and Justice Richard Adjei-Frimpong) for the position of the Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana. These nominated judges were to replace former Chief Justice, Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah, Justice Nene Abayateye Ofoe Amegatcher and Justice Jones Victor Mawulorm Dotse who had attained the ages for their mandatory retirement. A letter to that effect was sent to the Parliament of Ghana in November 2023 which was then referred to the Appointments Committee of Parliament for consideration and vetting of the nominees. [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13]

Vetting and approval

Kwofie was subsequently vetted on 20 December 2023 by Parliament. During the vetting process, Kwofie discussed a number of topics concerning the judiciary in Ghana. On the number of Supreme Court judges on the bench of the Supreme Court of Ghana, he defended against accusations of court packing, asserting that the current workload justifies the need for more justices. During his vetting by the Appointment Committee of Parliament, Kwofie emphasised that the 12 existing justices are spread across only two panels, and the additional three positions are necessary to address the workload. [14] [15]

Kwofie also argued that while the Constitution sets a minimum of nine Supreme Court judges, it does not specify a maximum limit. He countered comparisons to the United States, explaining that Ghana's 16 justices accommodate the high volume of cases resulting from the country's open-door policy in the judicial system. [15] [16]

Addressing concerns about unanimous verdicts in favour of the government, referred to as "unanimous FC," Kwofie dismissed them as perceptions, emphasising the difficulty of dealing with public perceptions. [15]

On the issue of the need for the codification of contempt of court, Kwofie expressed the view that the country does not require a law on contempt similar to the United Kingdom. During his vetting by Parliament's Appointments Committee, he highlighted the infrequency of contempt cases brought before the courts nationwide, particularly the limited instances involving the media. Kwofie suggested that the perceived issue of contempt often revolves around media coverage and urged citizens to exercise emotional control, acknowledging that judges are also human beings. His stance contrasted with a query from Francis Xavier Sosu, an MP, regarding the necessity of a contempt Act to regulate the courts' discretion in holding individuals in contempt of court. Kwofie emphasised the rarity of contempt convictions during his years as a judge, supporting his belief that the country does not need specific legislation on contempt. [17] [18] [19] [20] [21]

Regarding the discourse on artificial and contemporary approaches to adjudication, Kwofie assured Parliament's Appointment Committee that the judiciary is well-equipped to address challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies in future prosecutions. During the committee hearing on December 20, 2023, Justice Kwofie highlighted the introduction of the E-Justice programme as a proactive measure to tackle technological concerns. Responding to a query about the 2023 WASSCE, where results were withheld due to AI-generated answers, he emphasised the judiciary's commitment to adapt to evolving laws and societal changes. [22] [23]

Concerning the perception of corruption in the judiciary, Kwofie asserted that the majority of Ghanaian judges are not corrupt, contrary to some public claims. He emphasised that many allegations against judges are often unfounded perceptions, and those proven to be involved in corruption have been appropriately dealt with under Ghanaian law. Kwofie also suggested the need for a restructuring of the judiciary's communication department to enhance public understanding of court proceedings nationwide. [24] [25] [26] [27] [28]

Kwofie further maintained that there are no political judges. He emphasised the danger of labelling judges as political and stressed the importance of judges acting in accordance with their conscience and oath. In response to a question about the existence of political judges, he firmly stated that such judges do not exist, and consequently, there cannot be political judgements if judges uphold their commitment to impartiality. [29] [30] [31]

He was subsequently approved by Parliament on 23 December 2023. Mr. Joseph Osei-Owusu, the First Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Appointments Committee of Parliament, reported that, based on constitutional provisions and standing orders, the committee found Kwofie and the two other nominees qualified as Justices of the Supreme Court. Emphasising his demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the law, Osei-Owusu recommended, by consensus, the adoption of the committee's report for appointment approval. Mr. Governs Kwame Agbodza, the Minority Chief Whip, expressed satisfaction with the judges' approval, highlighting their competence and optimism for improvements in the justice delivery system. [32] [33] [34] [35] [36] [37] [38] [39] [40]

Swearing-in

Kwofie was sworn into office together with the two other nominees by President Akufo-Addo on 3 January 2024. [1] [4] Concerning his swearing in, the president underscored the importance of their judgements in contributing to the nation's orderly development. [41] [42]

President Akufo-Addo administered the Oath of Allegiance, Judicial Oath, and Oath of Secrecy to him, presenting him with Warrants of Appointment. The ceremony included the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, members of the Judicial Council, and other dignitaries. The President urged him and the two other nominees to interpret the constitution with a broad and liberal spirit, considering it as a living organism capable of growth and development. [41] [42]

Kwofie, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, expressed gratitude for the screening, appointments, vetting, and swearing-in processes. He assured that he and his colleagues would fulfil their duties without fear or favour, acknowledging the significance of their role in the nation's development. [41] [42] [43] [44] [45] [46] [47] [48] [49] [50] [51] [52] [53]

Personal life

Kwofie is married with four children. He is a Christian and a member of the Methodist Church of Ghana. He is able to read, write and speak in English, Nzema, Twi and Fante. His hobbies include listening to Jazz music, reading and walking. [1] [4]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Politics of Ghana</span>

Politics of Ghana takes place in a framework of a presidential representative democratic republic, whereby the president of Ghana is both head of state and head of government, and of a two party system. The seat of government is at Golden Jubilee House. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and Parliament. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sophia Akuffo</span> Ghanaian judge (born 1949)

Sophia Abena Boafoa Akuffo was the Chief Justice of Ghana from 19 June 2017 until 20 December 2019. She had been a Judge in the Supreme Court of Ghana since 1995.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Supreme Court of Ghana</span> Highest judicial body in Ghana

The Supreme Court of Ghana is the highest judicial body in Ghana. Ghana's 1992 constitution guarantees the independence and separation of the Judiciary from the Legislative and the Executive arms of government.

Martin Alamisi Burnes Kaiser Amidu is a Ghanaian politician and lawyer who served as Attorney General and Minister for Justice in Ghana from 2011 to 2012 and then as the First Special Prosecutor of the country from 2018 until his resignation in 2020, citing political interference by the President, Nana Akufo-Addo. He is also known for introducing the word ‘gargantuan‘, into the body politics of Ghana, when he opened investigations in the Woyome scandal which was one of the highest profiled corruption cases at the time. On 11 January 2018, Martin A.B.K Amidu was named by the President of Ghana as the Special Prosecutor for the newly created Office of the Special Prosecutor. Nana Akufo-Addo touted his anti-corruption fights as Attorney General and a private citizen as reasons for choosing Mr. Amidu, his one-time political adversary.

Kwasi Anin-Yeboah is a Ghanaian judge and the immediate past Chief Justice of Ghana. In December 2019, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo nominated Justice Anin-Yeboah as the Chief Justice of Ghana.

Henrietta Joy Abena Nyarko Mensa-Bonsu, is a Supreme Court Judge of the Republic of Ghana. She was nominated by president Nana Akufo-Addo. She is the 5th female member of the Court. Prior to her appointment to the Supreme Court, she was a Ghanaian law professor who served as a member of the United Nations Independent Panel On Peace Operations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Samuel Abu Jinapor</span> Ghanaian lawyer and politician

Samuel Abu Jinapor, is a Ghanaian lawyer and a politician. He is a member of the New Patriotic Party and the Member of Parliament for the Damongo Constituency. In 2017, President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo appointed him as Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations at the Office of the President, at the age of 33, the youngest in the history of Ghana to occupy such a position. He is currently the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.

JusticeGertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo is the current Chief Justice of the republic of Ghana. She was nominated to the Supreme Court in November 2019 and received parliamentary approval in December 2019. She was sworn in on 17 December 2019. She was nominated to the office of Chief Justice in April 2023 to replace Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah who retired as Chief Justice on May 24, 2023. She was sworn into office as the 15th Chief Justice of Ghana on 12 June 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu</span> Ghanaian judge

Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu is a Supreme Court judge of the Republic of Ghana.

Clemence Jackson Honyenuga was a Ghanaian judge. He is an active Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana from 22 May 2020 until 4 September 2022.

Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi is a Ghanaian judge. He is an active Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana. He was nominated and appointed a Supreme Court judge in 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kissi Agyebeng</span> Ghanaian lawyer (born 1978)

Kissi Agyebeng is a Ghanaian lawyer, academic, and the Special Prosecutor of Ghana since 2021. Prior to his appointment, he was a lecturer at the University of Ghana, Managing Partner at Cromwellgray LLP, and the Chairman of the Electronic Communications Tribunal of Ghana.

Barbara Frances Ackah-Yensu is a Ghanaian judge. She is an active Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana. She has been on the bench in Ghana since 2003 and was appointed a Supreme Court judge in 2022.

Samuel Kwame Adibu Asiedu is a Ghanaian judge. He is an active Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana. He has been on the bench in Ghana since 1996 and became a Supreme Court judge in 2022.

Ernest Yao Gaewu is a Ghanaian lawyer and judge who is in active service at the Supreme Court of Ghana.

George Kingsley Koomson is a Ghanaian judge who serves as an active justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana.

Yaw Darko Asare is a Ghanaian jurist and an active justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana.

Richard Adjei-Frimpong is a Ghanaian judge and an active justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "33rd report of the Appointments Committee on the President\'s nominations for appointment as justices of the Supreme Court". www.camscanner.com. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  2. ↑ Service, Judicial. "Judges and Magistrates Urged to Keep Pace with Technology to Remain Relevant". www.judicial.gov.gh. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  3. ↑ Online, Peace FM. "LIST Of Judges Retiring This Year". Peacefmonline.com – Ghana news. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Justice Henry Anthony Kwofie CV" (PDF).
  5. ↑ Hayford, Nadia (2023-11-10). "3 judges, Henry Anthony Kwofie, Yaw Asare Darko, Richard Adjei-Frimpong nominated for Supreme Court bench". Oman 107.1 FM. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  6. ↑ "Akufo-Addo nominates 3 new Supreme Court Justices". Citinewsroom – Comprehensive News in Ghana. 2023-11-10. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  7. ↑ "President Akufo-Addo nominates 3 new justices to the Supreme Court". GhanaWeb. 2023-11-10. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  8. ↑ "Akufo-Addo nominates 3 new justices to Supreme Court – MyJoyOnline". www.myjoyonline.com. 2023-11-10. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  9. ↑ Dzidzoamenu, Isaac (2023-11-10). "Akufo-Addo nominates three more justices to the Supreme Court – Starr Fm". Starr Fm. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  10. ↑ Dzakpata, Fred (2023-11-10). "Akufo-Addo nominates three judges for appointment to Supreme Court". Asaase Radio. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  11. ↑ "President Akufo-Addo nominates three judges for appointment to Supreme Court". dennislawnews.com. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  12. ↑ "President Akufo-Addo Nominates 3 Appeal Court Judges To Supreme Court". DailyGuide Network. 2023-11-11. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  13. ↑ Akufo Addo nominates 3 new Supreme Court judges , retrieved 2024-01-05
  14. ↑ "The Supreme Court is not packed -Justice Kwofie – MyJoyOnline". www.myjoyonline.com. 2023-12-20. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  15. 1 2 3 Kenu, Daniel; Agyeman, Nana Konadu (2023-12-21). "Supreme Court not populated — Justice Kwofie". Graphic Online. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  16. ↑ Supreme Court: Nominee Justice Henry Anthony Kwofie refutes claims apex court is packed (20-12-23) , retrieved 2024-01-05
  17. ↑ "Ghana does not need a law on contempt – Justice Kwofie". GhanaWeb. 2023-12-21. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  18. ↑ "No need for law to regulate Contempt – Justice Kwofie". Citinewsroom – Comprehensive News in Ghana. 2023-12-20. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  19. ↑ GNA (2023-12-20). "Ghana does not need a law on contempt — Justice Kwofie". Ghana News Agency. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  20. ↑ Okyere, Gertrude (2023-12-20). "No need to enact law to regulate power of contempt – Justice Kwofie". Adomonline.com. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  21. ↑ "A Law on contempt is not needed in Ghana – Justice Kwofie". Ghananewsonline.com.gh. 2023-12-20. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  22. ↑ Quaye, Grace Tsotsoo (2023-12-21). "Judiciary working to catch up with AI – Justice Anthony Kwofie". The Ghana Report. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  23. ↑ "Judiciary working to catch up with A.I., other tech trends – Justice Anthony Kwofie – MyJoyOnline". www.myjoyonline.com. 2023-12-20. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  24. ↑ "Not all judges are corrupt – Anthony Kwofie – Republic Online". 2023-12-21. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  25. ↑ Kwafo, Derrick Nana Yaw (2023-12-20). "Some judges misconduct themselves but it's not an indicator to say judges are bad – Supreme Court Justice nominee". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  26. ↑ "Judiciary needs strong PR to deal with corruption perception". Modern Ghana. 2023-12-20. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  27. ↑ Nartey, Laud (2023-12-20). "Judges recuse themselves from cases a lot but they don't get media attention – SC Justice nominee | 3NEWS.COM". 3news.com. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  28. ↑ Nartey, Laud (2023-12-20). "Some judges misconduct themselves but that is not an indicator that all judges are bad – SC justice nominee | 3NEWS.COM". 3news.com. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  29. ↑ "There are no political judges-Supreme Court nominee". BusinessGhana. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  30. ↑ Okyere, Gertrude (2023-12-20). "There are no political judges – Supreme Court nominee". Adomonline.com. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  31. ↑ "There are no political Judges – Justice Kwofie". Citinewsroom – Comprehensive News in Ghana. 2023-12-20. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  32. ↑ GNA (2023-12-23). "Parliament approves nominations of three Court of Appeal Judges to Supreme Court". Ghana News Agency. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  33. ↑ "Parliament approves Supreme Court justice nominees". GhanaWeb. 2023-12-23. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  34. ↑ "Parliament approves three Supreme Court nominees". Citinewsroom – Comprehensive News in Ghana. 2023-12-22. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  35. ↑ Nartey, Laud (2023-12-23). "Parliament approves Supreme Court justice nominees | 3NEWS.COM". 3news.com. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  36. ↑ "Parliament unanimously approves 3 Court of Appeal judges to Supreme Court bench – MyJoyOnline". www.myjoyonline.com. 2023-12-22. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  37. ↑ Agyeman, Nana Konadu (2023-12-02). "Parliament approves President's Supreme Court Justice nominees". Graphic Online. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  38. ↑ "3 Supreme Court Nominees Approved". DailyGuide Network. 2023-12-24. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  39. ↑ Agyeman, Adwoa (2023-12-22). "Parliament approves 3 Court of Appeal judges to Supreme Court". Adomonline.com. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  40. ↑ "MSN". www.msn.com. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  41. 1 2 3 "Your judgement must lead to orderly development of nation – Akufo-Addo to new Supreme Court judges". BusinessGhana. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  42. 1 2 3 "Akufo-Addo swears in 3 Supreme Court Justices – MyJoyOnline". www.myjoyonline.com. 2024-01-04. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  43. ↑ "President Akufo-Addo swears in 3 new Supreme Court Justices; calls for high judicial excellence". 2024-01-04. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  44. ↑ "Akufo-Addo swears in 3 new Supreme Court judges". GhanaWeb. 2024-01-04. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  45. ↑ "Akufo-Addo swears in three Supreme Court Justices". Modern Ghana. 2024-10-04.
  46. ↑ Nartey, Laud (2024-01-04). "Akufo-Addo swears in new Justices of the Supreme Court | 3NEWS.COM". 3news.com. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  47. ↑ Agyapong, Williams (2024-01-05). "Akufo-Addo swears in 3 Supreme Court Justices". The Ghana Report. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  48. ↑ Boamah, Mabel (2024-01-04). "Akufo-Addo swears in 3 Supreme Court Justices". ATL FM NewsRoom. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  49. ↑ Donald Ato, Dapatem (2024-01-03). "Your judgement must lead to orderly development of nation – Akufo-Addo to new Supreme Court judges". Graphic Online. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  50. ↑ SAMUEL, TUFFOUR (2024-01-04). "Akufo-Addo swears in 3 Supreme Court Justices". Masemtvgh.com. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  51. ↑ "Akufo-Addo swears in new Justices of the Supreme Court". www.myinfo.com.gh. 2024-01-04. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  52. ↑ Editors, African (2024-01-04). "Akufo-Addo Swears In 3 Supreme Court Justices - AfricanEditors.com" . Retrieved 2024-01-05.{{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  53. ↑ "Akufo-Addo swears in 3 new Supreme Court judges". The Ghana Guardian News. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.