Chairman of the 50th Anniversary Planning Committee of the Supreme Court, His Lordship Justice Richard Adjei Frimpong, has underscored the importance of the highest court celebrating its century-and-a-half existence.
He made this statement during a press briefing on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, ahead of the Supreme Court @150 anniversary.
He highlighted during the presentation that the court is worth celebrating for standing through challenges over the decades.
“Over the decades, the evolution of the Court has been checkered, challenging yet enduring; the court has not been spared the misfortunes of political hostility. Military interventions featuring suspensions and abrogations of the constitution, societal criticisms even condemnations, some fair, others unfair, and in some instances, extraordinary legislative realignment,” he pointed out.
Justice Frimpong asserted that in the chapters of this evolution, the court has held on to its fundamental role of defending the court, ensuring the protection of fundamental human rights of the citizenry, and sustaining a true democratic system of governance.
He recounted a few noble decisions of the court which attest to the promotion of constitutionalism, good governance, and the protection of human rights.
He stated, “Act 1815 of the constitution has been interpreted by the Court to ensure that international business agreements involving the state shall not come into operation unless it is approved by Parliament; by this decision, the representatives of the people have the final say in how the executive transacts international business.”
“Prisoners are permitted to vote, thereby expanding the frontiers of Universal Adult Suffrage (UAS); again, today one does not need a police permit in order to embark on a demonstration. Finally, and most significantly, two presidential election disputes have been resolved by the court to ensure political stability,” he outlined.
Justice Frimpong further disclosed that the celebration will be launched on April 16 at the City Conference Centre, University of Ghana, while the main celebrations will be a month-long event held from July 1 to 31 this year.
He highlighted that events will include lectures and symposia by various dignitaries (local and international), legal outreach programs, competitions, sporting events, the Sword-cutting anniversary project, a durbar to climax the celebrations, a dinner, and a thanksgiving service.
Source: Christabel Opare
