Mutharika swears in Kamanga as Supreme Court Judge

President Peter Mutharika on Tuesday swore in former Solicitor General Antony Kamanga SC as a new Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal judge.

Mutharika appointed Kamanga court of appeal judge at the end of his contract as Attorney General.

Kamanga holds a bachelor of laws, an LLM (Master of Laws) and a diploma in legal drafting.

The President congratulated Kamanga on his “deserved appointment” saying he has known him as a legal practitioner of many accomplishments.

“You have risen through the ranks in the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, where you served, among other positions, as a Chief Parliamentary Draftsperson and Solicitor General and Secretary for Justice. You also served as Law Commissioner and Attorney General before your new appointment.  These are all very senior positions and your contribution to the nation is therefore beyond measure.

“For this reason, I have no doubt whatsoever that you will excel in your new appointment as Justice of Appeal in the Supreme Court of Malawi,” said Mutharika.

The President said he believe that Justice Kamanga’s experience will help to unlock numerous challenges that the country’s judicial system is going through.

Mutharika said it is regrettable that the justice delivery system in the country is facing some daunting challenges including inadequate resources and pressure to clear “cashgate” cases.

“I, therefore, believe that with your vast experience, we will together be able to overcome some of the challenges our nation is facing,” said the Malawi leader.

He assured that his administration will continue to respect the rule of law and the independence of the other two branches of Government namely, the Judiciary and the Legislature.

“We will, within the dictates of the law and in public interest, work together with a unity of purpose for our justice delivery system to succeed and lift our country to greater heights of prosperity. Our stewardship and service to our people should surely always be beyond reproach”

Mutharika said Judiciary is the guardian of constitution, the protector of dignity and the guarantor of freedoms and responsibilities.

The Head of State, who is a law professor, urged the Judiciary to live up to its mission of providing independent and impartial justice and judicial services that are efficient which earns respect, trust and confidence of society.

Mutharika said “Efficiency and effectiveness of the justice delivery system is not an option because justice delayed is justice denied. For this reason, I call upon the Judiciary to discharge its constitutional mandate and responsibility with professionalism and fairness in the delivery of its services to citizens.”

He urged the Judiciary to respect the Constitution and the prescriptions of the law when discharging their functions.