Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s Advisor on Gender and Social Protection, Akosua Manu, has questioned whether Parliament’s vetting process for Supreme Court nominee Anthony Forson Jnr. adequately addressed concerns surrounding his suitability for the nation’s highest court.
She argues that allegations of sexual misconduct linked to Justice Forson should have been given attention during his appearance before Parliament’s Appointments Committee, particularly because Supreme Court justices are expected to meet the highest standards of integrity and public confidence.
Speaking on *The Big Issue* on Channel One TV on Saturday, August 29, Akosua Manu said the vetting presented an opportunity for Justice Forson to respond directly to an allegation of rape reportedly made against him by lawyer Kukua Andam.
In her view, the matter should not have been overlooked because of the sensitivity of the allegation or the seniority of the judicial position involved.
“Justice Forson has an allegation of rape against him by one Kukua Andam. She is a lawyer who questioned his integrity. Kukua Andam should have been brought into the vetting,” she said.
Akosua Manu further argued that allowing Justice Forson to address the allegation publicly would have provided an opportunity for clarification and helped strengthen confidence in the vetting process.
She said the issue was particularly important because of the potential implications for women and victims of sexual misconduct, warning that failing to adequately examine such allegations could send the wrong message to the public.
“It was important for him to clear the air on that issue especially because of the position he is going to occupy,” she stated.
According to her, allegations involving sexual misconduct should be handled with seriousness irrespective of the status of the individual concerned.
She maintained that the credibility of judicial appointments depends not only on professional qualifications but also on public confidence in the integrity and character of nominees.
Justice Forson was among three nominees who appeared before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, August 27, as part of the process for their consideration for appointment to the Supreme Court.
Akosua Manu’s comments have therefore renewed discussion about the scope of parliamentary vetting and whether allegations concerning the personal conduct and integrity of nominees should receive greater scrutiny before appointments to sensitive public offices are approved.
The comments also highlight the continuing debate over how institutions should balance the rights of persons facing allegations with the public interest in ensuring that nominees to the judiciary are subjected to a transparent and credible assessment.
The rape allegation referred to by Akosua Manu remains an allegation and should not be treated as an established fact unless determined through the appropriate legal process.
