The Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, has accused the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of attempting to erode the independence of Ghana’s judiciary by appointing party loyalists to key judicial positions.
Her remarks come amid ongoing proceedings against suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo, who faces possible removal from office over allegations of misconduct.
The case has rekindled a national debate over the lack of clear procedures and safeguards in the constitutional framework governing the removal of high-ranking judicial officers.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, May 27, during the House’s first sitting after recess, Appiagyei criticized President John Dramani Mahama’s recent nominations to the Supreme Court, describing them as politically motivated.
“The president is seeking to pack the Supreme Court with loyalists. Seven nominations in one swoop clearly designed to bind the hands of the Judicial Council and tilt the highest court in the land towards Executive interest,” she said.
President Mahama on April 30 nominated seven Justices of the Court of Appeal for elevation to the Supreme Court under Article 144(2) of the 1992 Constitution.
According to a statement from Jubilee House, the nominations are intended to bolster the capacity of the apex court with experienced jurists as the country faces increasingly complex constitutional and governance challenges.
The nominees are:
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Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei
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Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh
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Justice Senyo Dzamefe
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Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo
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Justice Philip Bright Mensah
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Justice Janapare Bartels-Kodwo
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Justice Haflsata Amaleboba
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