Meet the Supreme Court Judges Who Ruled against Speaker Bagbin’s Directive

In a high-stakes political and legal showdown, five Supreme Court judges have made headlines by ruling against a directive issued by Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Bagbin. The decision has attracted widespread attention, as it potentially alters the course of parliamentary decisions in the country.

Here’s a closer look at the justices behind this pivotal ruling, all of whom were appointed by President Nana Akufo-Addo.

1. Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo
   Appointed to the Supreme Court in 2019, CJ Gertrude Torkornoo was elevated to the position of Chief Justice in 2022 by President Akufo-Addo. With a wealth of experience in Ghana’s judiciary, she has consistently been at the forefront of critical rulings, including this recent decision that challenges the Speaker’s directive.
2. Justice Mariama Owusu
   Justice Mariama Owusu was also appointed to the Supreme Court in 2019 by President Akufo-Addo. Known for her strong legal acumen, she has been an influential voice on the bench, and her involvement in this case underscores her role in shaping key national legal outcomes.
3. Justice Kwame A. Asiedu
   Nominated and sworn in as a Supreme Court judge in 2022, Justice Kwame A. Asiedu has quickly risen to prominence in the legal sphere. His participation in the ruling against Speaker Bagbin’s directive is a reflection of his influence on the bench despite his relatively recent appointment.
4. Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu
   Justice Gaewu was nominated in 2022 and sworn into the Supreme Court in 2023. His fresh perspective on the bench adds a new dynamic to the court’s rulings, and his decision in this case signals his alignment with the other justices in challenging the Speaker’s directive.
5. Justice Yaw Darko Asare
   Another recent addition to the Supreme Court, Justice Yaw Darko Asare was appointed and sworn in 2023 by President Akufo-Addo. Though new to the highest court, his ruling against the Speaker’s directive has placed him firmly in the spotlight.

This ruling, handed down by a bench predominantly appointed by the current administration, raises broader questions about the balance of power between Ghana’s legislative and judicial branches. As the legal and political ramifications of this decision unfold, these five justices will undoubtedly remain figures of significant national interest.

Many are now watching closely to see how Parliament, under Speaker Bagbin’s leadership, will respond to the court’s ruling and what this could mean for the separation of powers in Ghana’s democracy.

Source: ghananewsonline.com.gh