Parliament has approved all seven Supreme Court nominees appointed by President John Dramani Mahama, despite fierce resistance from the Minority caucus.
The approval, which followed a heated plenary debate and a decisive voice vote, paved the way for the formal elevation of the nominees to the apex court.
The Majority side of the House carried the day after the Appointments Committee presented its final report.
The Minority had earlier expressed strong opposition to the nominations, arguing that the appointments were inconsistent with the recent suspension of the Chief Justice and raised constitutional concerns. They accused the Supreme Court of abdicating its responsibility by remaining silent during what they described as a breach of natural justice in recent legal developments.
Presenting their stance during deliberations on the floor, Minority members insisted that their full objections were not adequately captured in the committee’s report. They reaffirmed their disapproval of all seven nominees.
“All Minority members opposed and voted against the nomination of the seven judges. Mr. Speaker, based on the meeting we had this afternoon, the recording of the meeting will indicate that everybody on the Minority side said no, “First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor
Despite the Minority’s protest, the Majority’s endorsement ensured the nominees’ approval.
The newly confirmed justices are:
- Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei
- Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh
- Justice Senyo Dzamefe
- Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo
- Justice Philip Bright Mensah
- Justice Janapare Bartels-Kodwo
- Justice Hafisata Amaleboba
Their appointments now await the official swearing-in by President John Dramani Mahama.
However, the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, urged the House to approve the judges, even though the minority had not succeeded in approving the two judges last year.
At the end of the debate, Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin gave a ruling on the approval.
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