Ghana’s Parliament has confirmed the appointment of seven new Supreme Court justices nominated by President John Dramani Mahama, despite persistent objections from the Minority in Parliament, who raised alarm over legal and constitutional implications.
The approval was granted through a voice vote following a spirited plenary session marked by sharp partisan divisions. The Appointments Committee’s final report was laid before the House and backed by the Majority caucus, sealing the elevation of the nominees to the nation’s highest court.
While the Majority hailed the confirmations as a necessary step to reinforce the judiciary, the Minority maintained that the process was flawed. They accused the Supreme Court of “institutional silence” in the face of what they claimed was a breach of natural justice, referencing the recent controversial suspension of the Chief Justice.
The Minority further claimed that the Appointments Committee report failed to reflect the extent of their opposition, insisting that their objections were neither marginal nor symbolic.
“All Minority members opposed and voted against the nomination of the seven judges,” stressed First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor. “The official recording of our meeting this afternoon will show that the Minority unanimously said no.”
Despite the disapproval, the parliamentary majority’s numerical advantage ensured the approval of all nominees, whose judicial backgrounds span years of service across the Court of Appeal and the High Court.
The confirmed justices include:
- 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
With parliamentary approval secured, the next step is the official swearing-in of the justices by President Mahama, expected in the coming days.
The contentious approval process underscores growing tensions over judicial appointments and the balance of powers between the executive and the judiciary. Legal analysts suggest the outcome may deepen the national conversation on judicial independence, accountability, and constitutional interpretation in Ghana’s evolving democracy.
