Chaos at parliamentary vetting of Akufo-Addo’s nominees to the Supreme Court

Chaos unfolded at the Appointments Committee of Parliament as the Minority sought to obstruct the vetting process for two Supreme Court nominees appointed by President Akufo-Addo.

Justice Sophia Bernasko Essah and Professor Richard Frimpong Oppong were scheduled to respond to inquiries regarding their qualifications when the disruption occurred.

The Minority, led by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP Mahama Ayariga, raised constitutional concerns about the nominations. Ayariga argued that the appointments contravened several articles of the Ghanaian Constitution.

He stated, “We have been doing an illegal thing, an unconstitutional thing,” highlighting that the president’s actions lacked constitutional backing and violated provisions related to the discretionary powers of Parliament.

In defense of the vetting process, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin countered the Minority’s claims, asserting that the Appointments Committee’s role is strictly to review and report on the president’s nominations.

He emphasized, “We are only to vet and report to the plenary for a decision to be taken,” urging the committee to proceed with the vetting.

The situation remains tense as the committee navigates the conflicting perspectives surrounding the legality of the nominations and the vetting process itself.