Minority rejects rush to vet three Supreme Court nominees

The Opposition in Ghana's Parliament has objected to plans for a rapid vetting and approval process for three Supreme Court nominees before the House adjourns on Friday. Describing the anticipated four-day procedure as a challenge to parliamentary oversight and the prestige of Ghana's top court, the Opposition stated their readiness to examine two ministerial nominees during a more reasonable timeline.

However, they opposed the accelerated evaluation of Justice Sophia Bernasko Essah, Justice Amoako Asante, and former Ghana Bar Association President Tony Forson for the Supreme Court. The Opposition claimed that Parliament's Standing Orders offer channels for public input and proper committee involvement, asserting that no provisions have been nullified to warrant the expedited procedure.

They questioned the urgency of including the three nominees in the Supreme Court, asserting that the Court is operational and the proposed appointments are not to replace vacancies. The Opposition urged the Majority to postpone the judicial nominations, granting the Appointments Committee sufficient time for thorough examination.

They also invited the Ghana Bar Association, civil society groups, retired judges, and other professional bodies to comment on whether four days are sufficient for vetting Supreme Court nominees. The Opposition cautioned that if the process continues, it might contest its legitimacy under Article 2 of Ghana's 1992 Constitution.