Ghana’s Parliament has approved the vetting report of the Supreme Court nominees, confirming President John Mahama’s judicial appointments after a tense session marked by sharp partisan disagreements.
The decision followed a heated debate and a voice vote in which the Majority prevailed, clearing the way for the new justices to assume their positions on the nation’s highest court.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin criticized the move as prioritizing political convenience over constitutional principles, warning it could set a troubling precedent for future judicial appointments.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga defended the process, stating that all seven nominees were properly vetted and deemed competent.
Speaker Alban Bagbin ruled that the Appointments Committee’s report was valid and emphasized that parliamentary rules allow for Minority concerns to be addressed during plenary debates.
The session ended with Speaker Bagbin announcing, “The ayes have it,” officially confirming the nominees.
The approval follows earlier attempts by the Minority to block the report’s presentation, with the Appointments Committee Chairman, Bernard Ahiafor, clarifying that while Minority input was included, last-minute demands could not be accommodated.
