Afenyo-Markin questions urgency in vetting Supreme Court nominees’

Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has raised concerns about the speed at which three nominees are being vetted for appointment to the Supreme Court. In a statement on Thursday, August 27, 2026, during Parliament's Appointments Committee proceedings, Afenyo-Markin argued that the court currently has its full complement of justices and therefore there is no urgency to rush the vetting process.

The Minority Leader made these remarks as the committee began considering the nominees presented by President John Dramani Mahama for vetting. Afenyo-Markin emphasized that his objection is not directed towards the nominees personally or the President's authority to appoint Supreme Court justices, but rather at the procedural approach being followed by Parliament.

He explained his concerns over an accelerated timetable, stating that the absence of a vacancy on the Supreme Court is the key reason behind his objection. Afenyo-Markin noted that the three nominees are being considered as additions to the court rather than to fill positions created by death, retirement, or removal of serving justices.

He challenged the Majority to explain what harm would result if these three additional appointments were averted with the same care as any other Supreme Court nomination. The Minority Leader also criticized the proposed timetable, suggesting Parliament would be asked to complete the process within what amounted to three sitting days, deviating from the established practice since the adoption of the 1992 Constitution.