Tracking Supreme Court Appointments in Ghana: A 32-Year Breakdown by President, Party & Gender

bernard boateng
Jul 4
2 min read

Introduction:

Since the return to democratic rule in 1993, Ghana has seen 60 judges appointed to its Supreme Court its highest judicial authority. These appointments, made by the President of the Republic, have varied significantly in number, gender representation, and political affiliation. This article dives deep into the trends behind these appointments, offering insights into the country’s evolving judicial landscape.

Supreme Court Judges Appointments in Ghana 1993 - 2025

Presidential Breakdown:

Five presidents have overseen these appointments:

J.J. Rawlings (NDC) – 11 justices
J.A. Kufuor (NPP) – 17 justices
John Evans Atta Mills (NDC) – 3 justices
John Mahama (NDC) – 11 justices (4 in his first term, 7 in his second)
Nana Akufo-Addo (NPP) – 18 justices (the most by any President)

This shows a clear increase in the volume of appointments over time, driven in part by judicial retirements and political transitions.

By Party:

New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidents have appointed 35 justices (58%).
National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidents have appointed 25 justices (42%).

Gender Disparity in Appointments:

Out of the 60 appointments:

46 (77%) were male
14 (23%) were female

While women’s representation on the bench has gradually improved, the Supreme Court still reflects a significant gender imbalance, highlighting the ongoing need for equity in judicial leadership.

Why These Trends Matter:

Supreme Court appointments influence national jurisprudence for decades. The political affiliations of appointing presidents raise important discussions around judicial independence, tenure, and reform. Gender equity, in particular, has become central to calls for inclusive governance across Africa.

Conclusion:

Ghana’s judicial journey continues to evolve. As more appointments are made, the data offers a mirror into the country’s political and institutional maturity. Future trends may hinge not just on numbers but on diversity, independence, and transparency.