Parliament has approved President John Dramani Mahama’s seven nominees to the Supreme Court judges following a majority decision, despite strong opposition from the Minority side of the House.
The approval comes after the Appointments Committee, chaired by First Deputy Speaker and member for Akatsi, Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, presented its final report recommending the nominees. The Committee cited the nominees’ deep legal acumen, professionalism, and strong ethical grounding as key factors in its decision.
The Committee cited the nominees’ deep legal acumen, professionalism, and strong ethical grounding as key factors in its decision.
Presenting the Committee Report to the House on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, the Chairman indicated that the nominees demonstrated competence and deep knowledge of the law and deserve to serve at the Apex court.
He said, “All the nominees demonstrated outstanding competence, deep knowledge of the law, and a firm grasp of judicial ethics. They addressed questions posed by the Committee with professionalism, clarity, and intellectual rigour,” the Committee stated.
The approved nominees are Justice Senyo Dzamefe, Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei, Justice Ghell Simon Suurbaarch, and Justice Philip Bright Mensah.
The rest are Justice Janapare Adrua Bartels-Kodwo, Justice Hafisata Amaleboba, and Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackuah-Boafo.
Despite the Committee’s majority endorsement, Members of the Minority Caucus voted against the approval of all seven nominees.
Their decision, they said, was driven by broader constitutional and political concerns, accusing President Mahama of packing the courts for sinister motives.
“This is not simply about filling vacancies on the bench. It is about reshaping the constitutional order at a time when the Chief Justice has been suspended and critical questions about judicial overreach and silence on matters of natural justice remain unanswered,” Minority leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin stated.
He cited the issue of “judicial bloat,” referring to the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) earlier opposition to the appointment of two previous justices, which they argued had already burdened the Supreme Court with excessive numbers.
Members of the Majority Caucus (NDC), however, voted unanimously in favour of the nominees, aligning with the Committee’s conclusion that the candidates were fit for the apex court.
“We are confident these justices will uphold the independence and integrity of our judiciary. This process has been thorough, constitutional, and in line with the rule of law,” Majority leader Mahama Ayariga stated.
The newly approved Justices are expected to be sworn in in the coming days. Their appointments come at a time of heightened scrutiny of the judiciary’s role in safeguarding constitutional values and democratic governance.
First Deputy Speaker and the Committee Chairman, presenting the report, indicated that in pursuance of Article 114 (2) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and Order 217 of the Parliamentary Standing Orders, recommended the adoption of the Committee’s report and approval of the nominees.
