Parliament has approved the Supreme Court nominations submitted by President John Mahama, following a contentious debate and strong resistance from the Minority side.
The approval was secured through a voice vote dominated by the Majority, despite the Minority’s efforts to block the motion.
The judges include Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh, Justice Senyo Dzamefe, Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo, Justice Philip Bright Mensah, Justice Janapare Bartels-Kodwo, Justice Hafisata Amaleboba and Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin criticised the process and cautioned that rushing through the appointments could undermine future judicial vetting processes and damage public confidence in the judiciary.
In response, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga defended the nominations, asserting that all seven nominees had been thoroughly vetted and deemed competent by the Appointments Committee. He rejected claims of impropriety and urged Parliament to uphold its duty to strengthen the judiciary.
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, who presided over the session, ruled that the Appointments Committee’s report was validly prepared and dismissed the Minority’s claims of exclusion, stating that parliamentary rules permit dissenting views to be expressed during debates.
“You will not be prevented from saying what you want to say,” Bagbin told the House. “But the report captures the decision of the whole committee.”
After the debate, a voice vote was held, and Speaker Bagbin declared: “The ayes have it!” — officially confirming the appointments.
