Minority demands deferment of Supreme Court nominees’ vetting

The opposition in Ghana's Parliament has called for a delay in the background checks of three Supreme Court nominees, contending that the process should not be expedited due to the absence of an urgent court vacancy. The three nominees are Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, and legal counsel Anthony Forson Jr. Before the background checks commenced on Thursday, August 27, the leader of the opposition, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, stated that the Supreme Court is currently functioning with its full complement of justices and continues to handle cases and issue rulings.

He argued that there was no urgency for the three nominees to undergo the vetting and approval process before Parliament reconvenes on Friday, August 28.

According to Afenyo-Markin, the majority party's insistence on having all five nominees vetted, reported on, and approved before Parliament's adjournment is what the opposition is opposing. He emphasized that the House's recall ends tomorrow, and the majority is now demanding that all five nominees undergo the vetting process before the session concludes. The opposition insists that the Constitution and their own parliamentary rules support their stance.

The opposition's objection is rooted in the belief that Ghanaians should be part of the process of appointing Supreme Court judges, as stated by Afenyo-Markin. He clarified that the opposition's stance is not driven by political considerations but rather by what it deems as the welfare of the Ghanaian people. He asserted that the opposition is ready to collaborate with the government on the vetting of the two ministerial nominees, Mahama Ayariga for local government, chieftaincy, and religious affairs, and Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings for environment, science, and technology.

The opposition noted that the country requires political appointees to manage these ministries and ensure the smooth operation of government business.