Henry Anthony Kwofie

Henry Anthony 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Swearing-in Kwofie was sworn into office together with the two other nominees by President Akufo-Addo on 3 January 2024.

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.

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.