The Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, has leveled serious accusations against the National Democratic Congress (NDC), alleging that the party is attempting to undermine the independence of Ghana’s judiciary.
Appiagyei’s criticism centers around President John Dramani Mahama’s recent nominations to the Supreme Court, which she claims are designed to pack the court with party loyalists.
Speaking in Parliament, Appiagyei expressed her concerns about the implications of these nominations, stating, “The president is seeking to bind the hands of the Judicial Council and tilt the highest court in the land towards Executive interest.”
She added that the seven nominations in one swoop were “clearly designed” to achieve this goal.
The nominations in question are part of the President’s efforts to bolster the capacity of the Supreme Court with experienced jurists, as the country faces increasingly complex constitutional and governance challenges.
The nominees include 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, and Justice Haflsata Amaleboba.
Appiagyei’s comments 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 sparked a national debate about the lack of clear procedures and safeguards in the constitutional framework governing the removal of high-ranking judicial officers.