"What Constitution says is what must be done” — Justice Dzamefe stands firm on two-term Presidential limit and judicial integrity

Supreme Court nominee, Justice Senyo Dzamefe, has made a strong case for strict adherence to Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, emphasizing that its provisions, particularly the two-term presidential limit, leave no room for reinterpretation or manipulation.

Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, June 16, Justice Dzamefe stated: “What the constitution says is what must be done. If the constitution says two terms, I don’t know what interpretation can be put to it.”

His remark comes amid ongoing national conversations about potential constitutional amendments and presidential term limits.

Justice Dzamefe’s unequivocal stance reaffirms his commitment to the letter and spirit of Ghana’s supreme law.

Touching on matters of transparency and accountability, Justice Dzamefe disclosed that he had fulfilled his constitutional obligation by declaring his assets.

“If the constitution says all public officers must declare their assets, Supreme Court Justices must comply. I have declared my assets,” he said.

The nominee also highlighted the importance of expanding the country’s judicial infrastructure, arguing that more courts are needed to enhance access to justice and expedite case resolution.

“There must be more courts so that cases move faster. The more courts we have, the better for us. If cases are disposed of early, I am for it,” he asserted.

Linking justice delivery to national development, he added, “The faster the cases go, the better for the investor community, and there is trust. But that doesn’t open the floodgate for more judges — it should depend on the exigencies.”

On media freedom, Justice Dzamefe took a principled stance against the suppression of investigative journalism, saying that journalists who do thorough and truthful work should not be silenced.

“Generally, I wouldn’t recommend repression. Once it’s true and fair, why would I recommend suppression?” he said.

Justice Dzamefe’s responses painted a picture of a judge deeply rooted in constitutionalism, transparency, judicial efficiency, and media freedom — key pillars of a functioning democracy.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith