Ghana’s Parliament Endorses 7 Supreme Court Justices Nominated by Mahama
Parliament Approves President Mahama’s Nomination of Seven Justices to Supreme Court Despite Minority Opposition
Parliament has, by majority decision, approved the nomination of seven Court of Appeal judges by former President John Dramani Mahama to serve on Ghana’s Supreme Court. The approval comes after a rigorous vetting process conducted by the Appointments Committee last week.
The newly approved justices are:
Justice Senyo Dzamefe
Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei
Justice Gbeil Simon Suurbaareh
Justice Philip Bright Mensah
Justice Janapare Adzua Bartels-Kodwo
Justice Hafisata Amaleboba
Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo
The Appointments Committee, chaired by Bernard Ahiafor, submitted its report to the House for consideration, following which the majority pushed through the approval. However, the Minority Caucus strongly opposed the nominations both during committee deliberations and at the plenary level.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin raised serious concerns about the process, questioning the perceived “wrongful” suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo and criticizing the rejection of two previous nominees under a former administration — Professor Richard Frimpong Oppong, a noted legal academic, and Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah.
Afenyo-Markin, also the MP for Effutu, accused the current administration of attempting to “pack” the Supreme Court, a tactic he noted the NDC once opposed while in opposition.
In response, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga defended the appointments, stating that President Mahama’s nominations are fully aligned with constitutional mandates. He emphasized the need to preserve judicial independence and strengthen the Supreme Court through qualified and diverse representation.
The debate reflects broader concerns about judicial transparency, constitutional balance, and political influence in Ghana’s legal system. Despite the objections, the Speaker allowed the presentation and approval of the vetting report.
With these new appointments, the composition of the Supreme Court is set for a shift, potentially influencing future decisions on key legal and constitutional matters in the country.
