Justice Cecilia Naa Shormeh Davis has officially joined the Court of Appeal following her swearing-in by President Akufo-Addo.

The event, held at the Jubilee House on Friday, December 20, 2024, included the administration of the Oath of Allegiance, the Judicial Oath, and the Oath of Secrecy by the President.

As the newest member of Ghana's Court of Appeal, Justice Davis becomes part of a 35-member bench in the nation’s second-highest court. Her appointment highlights her dedication to upholding justice and her reputation for delivering fair and unbiased rulings.

Bringing over nine years of expertise as a High Court judge, Justice Davis is anticipated to contribute significantly to strengthening judicial efficiency and safeguarding the rule of law.

President Akufo-Addo encouraged her to embrace her role with humility, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to serving the citizens of Ghana.

He said “As you take on the duty as Justice of the Court of Appeal, I urge you to approach your duty with humility, integrity and a deep sense of responsibility. Remember that the power you wield as a Judge is not for personal gain or aggrandizement but for service to the Ghanaian people.

Every decision you make should be guided by the principles of fairness, justice and the rule of law. You have a profound obligation to ensure that our Judiciary remains a beacon of hope for the citizenry and a pillar of strength for our democracy.

Justice Cecilia Davis, the task before you is not an easy one. The decisions you make will have an impact, not only on the parties before you but also on the broader society.”

Justice Cecilia Naa Shormeh Davis pledged her unwavering commitment to dispensing justice with integrity and fairness.

“I assure you, Your Excellency that I have just taken three Oaths and I promise to live by them by the Grace of God. I promise to discharge my duties, to dispense justice in accordance with the law, to all manner of persons without fear or favour,” she added.

Justice Davis’ legal journey began with her appointment as a High Court Judge on July 15, 2016, by then-Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood. Her appointment followed a major judicial reform after a corruption scandal rocked the judiciary.

During her tenure at the High Court, Justice Davis presided over numerous significant cases, solidifying her reputation for promoting justice and adherence to the rule of law. Her rulings consistently emphasized the importance of following proper legal procedures and respecting judicial processes, earning her recognition as a beacon of fairness and diligence in Ghana’s judiciary.

Justice Davis holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law and History from the University of Ghana, Legon, and a Barrister-at-Law certificate from the Ghana School of Law, qualifying her as a lawyer in 1990. She also earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance from the University of Ghana Business School and a Certificate in Media Law from the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.

Her extensive legal background spans roles at the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the Serious Fraud Office (now EOCO), and the Graphic Communications Group Limited. These diverse roles provided her with invaluable experience, shaping her into a seasoned legal professional and an authoritative voice in the judicial system.