Bamford-Addo Is Acting Chief Justice

The controversy over the non-appointment of an acting Chief Justice following the indisposition of Chief Justice Edward Kwame Wiredu is expected to be abated with the confirmation of Justice Joyce Bamford-Addo. Her conformation took effect from July 1, 2003, when Justice Wiredu finally bowed out.

According to the Judicial Secretary, E. A. Owusu Ansah, with Justice Wiredu’s retirement, the most senior member of the Supreme Court takes over pending the appointment of a substantive Chief Justice.

Justice George Kinsley Acquah who has been nominated by the President to replace Justice Wiredu will appear before the Appointment Committee of Parliament on Tuesday.

Owusu Ansah told the Statesman newspaper that he has directed all court registrars to issue writs in the name of the Acting Chief Justice, Mrs Justice Joyce Bamford-Addo.

He said the heated debate that generated following the indisposition of Justice Wiredu was unnecessary because at that point he was still at post. The Judicial Secretary added that the process of appointing an acting Chief Justice is within the confines of the Judiciary and not the Presidency.