The Majority in Ghana’s Parliament has rallied behind Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Torkornoo’s proposal to increase the number of Supreme Court justices to 20, emphasizing its legality and potential benefits for judicial efficiency.
Chief Justice Torkornoo recently forwarded five nominees to President Akufo-Addo, citing a significant caseload to justify the expansion. This move has sparked criticism from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which contends the proposal exceeds lawful bounds.
However, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin refuted these claims during a press briefing in Accra on Monday, asserting that the Chief Justice wields inherent powers under Article 125(4) of the constitution. This provision designates the Chief Justice as the head of the judiciary, responsible for its administration and supervision.
“We’ve observed the Chief Justice’s proposal to expand the Supreme Court to 20 judges for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness,” Afenyo-Markin stated. “Contrary to some opinions, the constitution empowers the Chief Justice to make such recommendations. The framers provided a minimum ceiling, anticipating future adjustments without specifying an upper limit.”
He elaborated, “The Chief Justice’s role involves managing the judiciary to ensure optimal operations. Her proposal is well within constitutional boundaries, aligning with Article 125(4), which grants authority to administer and propose measures for judicial enhancement.”
Afenyo-Markin underscored the constitutional foresight, noting, “The absence of an upper limit in the constitution implies flexibility for expansion. Therefore, claims of unconstitutionality regarding the proposal or the Chief Justice’s authority are unfounded when considering the constitutional framework.”
The Majority’s support signifies a contentious yet pivotal step towards potentially reshaping Ghana’s judicial landscape. The aim is to meet evolving demands and bolster judicial efficacy amid increasing caseloads.
Source:newsghana.com.gh