Legal holiday means there’s no urgency to confirm judges – Annoh-Dompreh

Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh has expressed concerns over the swift vetting process for three Supreme Court nominees, suggesting that the ongoing legal holiday lends itself to a more leisurely pace. On Joy FM’s Top Story on Thursday, August 27, Annoh-Dompreh argued that the Minority party does not comprehend why the Majority is pushing to finalize the vetting and confirmation of the nominees within a short timeframe, given the absence of an urgent need for confirmation.

He questioned the rationale behind the accelerated process, particularly in light of the legal holiday, asserting that there is no pressing vacancy that necessitates immediate confirmation. "In any case, there is a legal holiday. So there is no urgency," he remarked. Annoh-Dompreh also contended that if the Majority genuinely believed there was a compelling reason to deviate from standard procedural requirements, they should have formally invoked the relevant Standing Orders to suspend the rules.

"If there is, or in their opposition they want to do that, they could have come under Order 3 to suspend the rules. They never did that," he pointed out. The Minority Chief Whip further criticized the Majority for applying inconsistent standards to judicial appointments. He recalled that while in opposition, members of the current governing party had insisted on a two-week publication period for Supreme Court nominees before participating in their vetting.

Annoh-Dompreh demanded consistency in the application of parliamentary rules and conventions. He emphasized the importance of public participation, arguing that Ghanaians should have the opportunity to provide input and raise concerns about individuals being considered for appointment to the country’s highest court. "We believe that Ghanaians should have an input.

Memorandum have come in, in terms of these nominees who are going to serve on our apex court. The input of the Ghanaian public is important," he concluded.