Minority rejects 3-day timetable for Supreme Court nominees’ vetting

Parliament's minority faction has contested the three-day schedule envisioned for assessing three candidates nominated for the Supreme Court. The dissent surfaced prior to the Appointments Committee's deliberations on President John Dramani Mahama's choices, which include Justice Sophia Bernasko-Essah, Justice Amoako Asante and former GBA President Tony Forson.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin clarified that this stance does not signify opposition to the nominees or the President's authority to appoint justices. In presenting the objection, Afenyo-Markin emphasized the need for "sufficient time to conduct the level of scrutiny traditionally associated with appointments to the apex court."

He cautioned that a compressed timetable would not be "lawfully and safely" completed within the three days left in Parliament's current session. The minority put forward nine arguments supporting its objection, beginning with the assertion that there is no current vacancy on the Supreme Court. The court currently has its full complement of justices, leading the minority to question the urgency of treating the process as an immediate matter requiring a condensed timetable.

The minority argued that the Majority should identify the potential harm to the state, judiciary, or litigants if nominees were subjected to an expedited vetting process. Additionally, the minority challenged the interpretation of Order 217(11) of Parliament's Standing Orders, asserting that Supreme Court nominees have historically received adequate notice, including publication in daily newspapers to allow public input.

The minority stressed that it is not seeking to thwart the appointments, but rather to ensure that the process adheres to customary standards of transparency and deliberation.