NDC raises concerns over recommendation to appoint new Supreme Court judges

The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has raised the issue of an alleged recommendation by the Chief Justice to nominate new judges to the Supreme Court to replace retired judges.

The recommended candidates are reportedly Judge Afia Asare Botwe, Judge Cyra Pamela Koranteng, Judge Edward Amoako Asante, Judge Eric Kyei Baffour and Judge Angelina Mensah Homiah.

The president is expected to review the list and nominate individuals to replace retired or retiring judges, in line with the Constitution, which states that the president nominates Supreme Court judges after consultation with the National Council of the Judiciary.

Following the leak and publication of the recommended names in the list of the President of the Supreme Court, public reactions were mixed.

At a press conference in Accra on Thursday, addressed by NDC Secretary General Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, the party demanded an immediate halt to the process of appointing new judges to Ghana’s highest court.

According to the party, the appointment of new Supreme Court judges who are believed to be sympathetic to the ruling New People’s Party (NPP) will have dire consequences for democracy in the country.

Mr Kwetey accused the judiciary of being “transformed into a puppet of the president”.

He stated that it is unacceptable for the president’s supporters to sit on the Supreme Court.

“The NDC urgently demands an immediate halt to further appointments to the Supreme Court. We demand that President Akufo-Addo immediately halt any plans to nominate additional judges to the Supreme Court,” he said.

Mr Kwetey said President Akufo-Addo’s current stance towards the judiciary is not only a political stunt but also a threat to democracy in the country.

“It’s time to stand up. It’s time to speak up; it’s time to demand justice,” he said.

He said judges who “do not conform to the whims and fancies of President Akufo-Addo and the Chief Justice are being subtly punished through administrative transfers.

The NDC secretary-general said any further appointments to the Supreme Court must be in line with the country’s constitution and must be consulted with the Judicial Council.

He also called on Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo not to exert any pressure from the executive branch aimed at influencing judicial appointments and promotions.

Source: graphiconline.com

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