The Parliament of Ghana has approved President John Dramani Mahama’s nominees of seven justices for appointment as Justices of the country’s apex court, the Supreme Court.
This follows the adoption of the Appointments Committee’s report presented by its Chairman, Bernard Ahiafor who doubles as the First Deputy Speaker.
The committee which recommended their approval by a majority decision estolled the deep legal intellect, professionalism, and strong ethical grounding of the nomineees as key factors in its decision.
First Deputy Speaker, who is the Member for Akatsi South in accordance with provisions of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and Order 217 of the Parliamentary Standing Orders, recommended the following justices for approval;
- Justice Senyo Dzamefe
- Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei
- Justice Ghell Simon Suurbaarch
- Justice Philip Bright Mensah
- Justice Janapare Adrua Bartels-Kodwo
- Justice Hafisata Amaleboba
- Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackuah-Boafo.
All New Patriotic Party (NPP) minority members on the committee voted against the nominees despite participating in their vetting process.
According to the caucus as espoused by the Minority leader, Osahen Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, its decision was motivated by broader constitutional and political concerns and accused President Mahama of packing the apex court for sinister motives.
“This is not simply about filling vacancies on the bench. It is about reshaping the constitutional order at a time when the Chief Justice has been suspended and critical questions about judicial overreach and silence on matters of natural justice remain unanswered,” Mr Afenyo-Markin said.
The report estoled the professionalism and intellect of the nominees.
Contributing to the motion for the approval, NPP Member for Asante Akim Central, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi reluctantly commended the outstanding dexterities exhibited by the nominees during their vetting process.
Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, said President Mahama acted in accordance with the dictate s of the constitution in nominating the seven Justices.
He reiterated his long-held position on the need for a view of article 128 if the constitution for the capping of the number of Supreme Court judges.
He urged the need to expand the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals to northern Ghana.
On his part, Builsa North Member, James Agalga said the justification given by the minority for opposing the nominations was not turnable.
President Mahama is expected to swear-in the seven new Justices in the coming days.
By: Christian Kpesese
