NDC condemns Akufo-Addo’s judicial appointment plans

By Gloria Amoh

The Secretary General of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, says that in the face of the crisis the nation is going through, the call for unity and vigilance is echoing in the streets and institutions.

Speaking at a press conference at his headquarters in Adabraka on July 4, 2024, Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey explained that in a country renowned for its democratic traditions, the Republic of Ghana is currently at a turning point. A storm of controversy has erupted, exposing deep cracks in its political and judicial systems.

According to him, the main character in this unfolding drama is President Nana Akufo-Addo, whose actions have sparked outrage and accusations of a conspiracy aimed at undermining the very foundation of Ghana’s democracy – the independence of its judiciary.

He stressed that the story begins with President Akufo-Addo’s unprecedented appointment of 15 Supreme Court judges, which many saw as a bold attempt to consolidate power in the judiciary.

The situation became even darker when it was revealed that President Akufo-Addo, together with Chief Justice Getrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, planned to add five new judges to the highest court in the country.

“The move, described by critics as a brazen attack on democratic principles, has sparked a storm of protest across the country.” He added

“In a letter dated 30 May 2024, Chief Justice Torkornoo requested President Akufo-Addo to appoint additional judges, a request which was promptly received on 4 June 2024. The names put forward — Lady Justice Angelina Mensah, Trial Judges Erich Bako and Edward Asante, Lady Justice Pamela CA Koranteng and Lady Justice Afia Asare Botwe — were described as part of a “grand conspiracy” by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He stressed that the controversy deepened when it was discovered that the Attorney General, who is prosecuting the Minority Leader, Cassiel Ato Forson, supported this request. And on June 24, 2024, Chief Justice Torkornoo convened an extraordinary meeting of the Judicial Council to discuss these appointments.

He added that, to everyone’s surprise, council members unanimously rejected the proposal, citing poor timing and the potential to undermine the independence of the judiciary just months before a general election.

Fifi Fiavi Kwetey also stressed that the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) in a letter dated April 29, 2024, strongly opposed the president’s plan. They argued that any increase in the number of Supreme Court judges should be done through a constitutional amendment and not an executive maneuver.

“The GBA’s position highlighted the fundamental conflict between the ambitions of the executive and the established legal framework designed to protect the independence of the judiciary,” he said.

He explained again that the current developments have created chaos in the country and many Ghanaians see it as a crucial test of democracy.
“Will the judiciary remain a barrier to the executive or will it become a mere extension of political power? He asked

He revealed that as the nation stands at this crossroads, the call for unity and vigilance is echoing in the streets and institutions. The actions of President Akufo-Addo and Chief Justice Torkornoo have sparked a nationwide debate on the future of Ghana’s democracy and the integrity of its judiciary.

The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the country is able to uphold the principles for which its forefathers fought or whether it will succumb to the machinations of those who seek to undermine its democratic foundations.

He concluded by reaffirming that amid the tension and uncertainty, the eyes of the world are on Ghana and therefore the decisions being taken now will not only impact the future of its judiciary but will also set a precedent for how the country deals with challenges to its democratic institutions.

“The fight for Ghana’s judiciary is more than a political struggle; it is a fight for the soul of the nation,” he noted.

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