protection and defence of the Constitution.

She stressed that by taking the judicial oath, judges not only re-affirm allegiance and loyalty to the State, by upholding her sovereignty and integrity, but they also promise to perform their judicial functions truly and faithfully without fear or favour, ill will or affection.

Speaking at a ceremony to swear into office 25 High Court judges, two magistrates and also the induction of 36 lawyers, the Chief Justice said this oath or affirmation inter alia, demands impartiality and commands judicial independence and looks to justice according to law. "This implies that your judgments must be principled, clearly well thought out and well reasoned," she said.

Justice Wood advised them that the public will put their work and conduct to intense scrutiny, demand transparency and hold them accountable for all that emanate from your judgment seat. She told them that since the people has placed much confidence and trust in the judiciary they expects that "like Caesar's wife, we live above reproach."

She disclosed that this is the first time in the history of the judiciary that such a huge number of high court judges are being sworn into office. This she explained is because of the Ghana's passion and commitment to provide for its citizenry an efficient and speedy system of justice delivery.

She urged the newly appointed judges to exercise a firm and proper control over their court room staff in particular and ensure that their courts do carry a human face and that they are not turn into a humiliation centres, for lawyers and litigants.

To the lawyers who have been called to the bar, the Chief Justice said integrity should be the essential quality of any person who seeks to practice as a member of the legal profession.

She therefore urged them to avoid fraudulent activities and conduct that can caused pain and difficulties to individuals, families and other members of the public. She said the legal practitioner, who is first and foremost an officer of the court, has the primary duty of assisting in the proper administration of justice.

Justice Wood also advised the lawyers to undertake post graduate courses in oil and gas related courses as well as areas other areas of law to prepare themselves for all the eventualities which are bound to come with the discovery of oil of commercial quantities.

She disclosed that the judiciary is poised to take up the challenge by sending two judges to a prestigious university in Scotland to undertake post graduate courses in this discipline.

She also encouraged them to give back to society, for what it has done to shape their life, by donating a little of their time and resources to the disadvantaged or indigent in society. "You can do this by offering pro bono services at either the public level, that is, through Legal Aid Board, or at the private level through NGO’s," she added.