Minority rejects rushed vetting of three Supreme Court nominees

The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has raised concerns about the speed at which three nominees for the Supreme Court are being vetted. On Thursday, August 27, 2026, the Appointments Committee of Parliament began discussing the nominees presented by President John Dramani Mahama. Afenyo-Markin emphasized that his objection was not directed at the nominees themselves or President Mahama's constitutional authority to nominate them.

Instead, he contended that the Minority's issue was with the procedure being followed and the accelerated timeline. "This is not an objection to the principle of vetting. It is an objection to the nominee; neither is it an objection to the nominees as individuals. It is an objection grounded in the Constitution, the 1992 Constitution and the standing orders of Parliament," he asserted.

Afenyo-Markin pointed out that there is currently no vacancy on the Supreme Court, meaning no urgency exists to expedite the vetting process. He argued that the three nominees are being considered for addition to the court, rather than to fill positions left vacant by death, retirement, or removal. "The three persons before this committee are nominated to add to the existing membership of the court, not to fill any gap left by death, retirement or removal," he clarified.

The Minority Leader also criticized the proposed three-day timetable, stating that Parliament is being asked to complete the process within only three sitting days, which deviates from the standard practice since the 1992 Constitution's adoption. He questioned why the President's announcement of nominations in Parliament should automatically lead to their vetting and voting within a few days.

Afenyo-Markin reiterated that the Minority's objection was procedural and aimed at ensuring the committee addressed the concerns before proceeding. He requested that this objection be formally recorded in the proceedings, regardless of the final decision.