Yaw Darko Asare

Yaw Darko Asare is a Ghanaian jurist and an active member of the Supreme Court of Ghana.

Early life and education Asare was born on 22 August 1963, in Akropong-Akwapim. He received his Ordinary Level Certificate from Okuapeman Senior High School in 1980 and his Advanced Level Certificate from Aggrey Memorial A.M.E. Zion Senior High School in 1982. He then pursued a Bachelor of Arts in law from the University of Ghana, which he obtained in 1986. He furthered his studies at the Ghana School of Law, where he earned his Professional Certificate in Law in 1986 and was called to the bar in 1988.

In 1995, Asare obtained a post-graduate degree in International Maritime Law from the International Maritime Law Institute in Malta. Additionally, in 1997, he completed a Certificate of Training in Legislative Drafting from Tulane University in the US, and in 1998, he received a Certificate of Training on Port Management, Operations, and Administration from Galilee College, Israel. He then took up the position as a Justice on the Court of Appeal on 17 December 2019. He is also a Guest Lecturer at the University of Ghana, School of Law.

Vetting and approval Asare was subsequently vetted on 20 December 2023 by the appointments committee of Parliament. During his vetting, he was questioned on various issues concerning the judiciary in Ghana. He believed that the perception of corruption in the judiciary was more prevalent than actual corruption. During his vetting process, he attributed this perception to a lack of understanding among the public about legal procedures. Asare cited a personal experience where a foreign client pursued a case in Ghana despite his advice against it, leading to a Supreme Court dismissal. He expressed concern that people often attribute unfavourable outcomes to corruption rather than legal complexities.

Asare acknowledged the existence of individuals who attempt to influence judges by offering bribes, creating a perception of corruption. However, he defended the integrity of the judges he has encountered during his four years on the bench, stating that the majority are highly reputable. While acknowledging the possibility of a few corrupt individuals, he emphasised the judiciary's commitment to addressing such issues.

Swearing-in He was sworn into office by President Akufo-Addo on 3 January 2024. Akufo-Addo, in his congratulatory message, tasked him and his colleagues with the responsibility of upholding the country's 1992 constitution. He emphasised that they had successfully met the rigorous criteria outlined in Article 128, Clause 4 of the Constitution, demonstrating independence of spirit, high moral character, proven integrity, and impartiality of mind necessary for the position.

Personal life Outside of his professional life, Asare enjoys watching football, listening to gospel music, reading, and engaging in physical workouts.