Mahama not packing Supreme Court – Akwatia MP

Akwatia MP Bernard Bediako Baidoo has dismissed the Minority's claim that the Mahama administration is attempting to pack the Supreme Court. He argued that the circumstances surrounding President John Mahama's nominations were distinct from those under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Mr Baidoo clarified that the NDC's objection in 2024 was not solely about increasing the number of judges on the Supreme Court.

Instead, the party's concern was that Akufo-Addo was appointing close friends and political allies to the apex court. Mr Baidoo emphasized that the same accusation could not be made against the Mahama administration's nominees. He pointed out that the NDC then claimed the court was packed by individuals close to the president and his party.

Mr Baidoo noted that the difference lies in the current administration's request to contribute to the executive's needs. He was responding to Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin's question about the NDC's shift in position. Afenyo-Markin questioned why the NDC, which accused Akufo-Addo's administration of court-packing, now supports the appointment of additional justices.

The Minority walked out of the Appointments Committee proceedings on August 27 due to their objection to the compressed timeline for vetting the nominees. However, Parliament later approved Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, and Anthony Forson Jnr for appointment to the Supreme Court, following the adoption of the Appointments Committee's report recommending all three nominees.