Accra, March 26, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Wednesday swore in nine new Judges of the Court of Appeal and urged them to discharge their duties with candour, circumspection and commitment to uphold the integrity of the state.

This, he said, they should do without bias, fear or favour. He reminded them that as they interpreted the law, this must be done with some understanding of the state so as to maintain its integrity.

The unity of the nation must not only be respected, the Judges should help state institutions to evolve.

Mr Justice Paul K. Gyaesayor, Mrs Justice Irismay Brown, Mr Justice Wisdom Herbert K Addoh, Mr Justice Victor D. Ofoe and Mr Justice Kobena Adoe Acquaye were among the new Judges.

The rest were Mr Justice Francis G. Korbieh, Mr Justice Emmanuel Kwami Ayebi, Mr Justice Clemence Jackson Honyenugah and Mr Justice Kwasi Nkrumah Aduma Osei.

They took the Oaths of Allegiance, the Judicial Oath and the Oath of Secrecy.

President Kufuor said their rulings must impact positively on the whole summit of the state to keep the nation together. Additionally, they should secure the rights of all Ghanaians under the law.

He counselled them to conduct themselves well, show dedication and comportment noting that with their elevation, the rope on which they "walk is getting thinner and thinner".

They should therefore be exemplary in office and accountable to the state saying, "I am sure Ghana will acknowledge you". Mrs Justice Brown on behalf of her colleagues said they were proud of the confidence bestowed on them by their appointment. She said they were aware of the wind of change blowing through the Judiciary and pledged not to fail in their duties of helping to ensure that the rule of law took firm hold in the society. Their prayer was that God would give them the courage to stand firm in the truth.