In a development that could significantly shape the judicial future, Parliament’s Appointments Committee is vetting seven Supreme Court nominees by Pr
In a development that could significantly shape the judicial future, Parliament’s Appointments Committee is vetting seven Supreme Court nominees by President John Dramani Mahama.
The hearings which started today Monday, June 16, will conclude on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
This latest round of appointments comes at a time when the judiciary is under intense public scrutiny, following months of political contention and debates around judicial independence—particularly in light of the recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo by President Mahama, a move that drew sharp criticism from legal experts, civil society, and political observers.
Who Are the Nominees?
President Mahama nominated seven justices from the Court of Appeal to ascend to Ghana’s highest court. The nominees are:
Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei
Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh
Justice Senyo Dzamefe
Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo
Justice Philip Bright Mensah
Justice Janapare Bartels-Kodwo
Justice Hafisata Amaleboba
These judges bring with them decades of judicial experience, spanning civil, criminal, and constitutional law. Many have also served in international legal roles and have academic backgrounds in justice sector reform and human rights.
Constitutional Backing
The appointments are being made pursuant to Article 144(2) of the 1992 Constitution, which allows the President to nominate judges for the Supreme Court in consultation with the Council of State and with the approval of Parliament.
If approved, this will represent one of the most sweeping reshuffles of the Supreme Court bench in recent memory, with seven new justices potentially reshaping the court’s ideological and legal direction.
Critics and analysts alike are already weighing in on what this could mean for upcoming constitutional cases and politically sensitive matters.
A Vetting Under the Microscope
The Appointments Committee is expected to examine each nominee’s legal track record, interpretation of the Constitution, independence of mind, and past judgments.
With the judiciary’s credibility recently questioned amidst executive interference claims, the vetting is likely to attract strong media attention and public debate.
Political analysts suggest that the stakes are high—not only for the legal community but also for democratic governance in Ghana.
President Mahama’s administration has come under fire from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), civil society groups, and international observers for what they see as a growing consolidation of power.
While supporters argue that the President is acting within his constitutional mandate to fill vacancies and strengthen judicial capacity, critics worry that the timing and scale of the appointments could tip the balance of the Supreme Court, especially ahead of any potential 2028 electoral disputes.
Judiciary at Crossroads
The judiciary has been navigating turbulent waters in recent years—from high-profile corruption cases to politically charged rulings.
The addition of seven new justices could bring both renewed expertise and fresh controversy, depending on the perceived impartiality of the appointees.
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