Parliament has approved the controversial Supreme Court vetting report, clearing the way for the appointment of seven new justices nominated by President John Mahama — despite fierce opposition from the Minority caucus.
The approval came through a voice vote on the floor of Parliament, with the Majority side securing the upper hand after a tense and fiery debate.
Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, led the charge against the report, accusing the Majority of putting “political convenience over constitutional principle.” He warned that the move risked setting a dangerous precedent for future judicial appointments.
But Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga rebutted the claims, insisting that all nominees were thoroughly vetted and met the necessary criteria to serve on the Supreme Court.
“The nominees have demonstrated the competence, integrity, and judicial temperament expected of our highest court,” Ayariga said.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, ruled that the Appointments Committee’s report was properly constituted, dismissing Minority concerns that their views had been sidelined.
“You will not be prevented from saying what you want to say. But the report captures the decision of the whole committee,” Bagbin stated, underscoring that parliamentary procedure allows dissenting voices to be heard during debate.
The approval follows a dramatic standoff earlier in the week when Afenyo-Markin blocked the report’s presentation, claiming Minority signatures had not been appended.
However, Appointments Committee Chairman Bernard Ahiafor clarified that while Minority concerns were included, some last-minute demands were not.
With the Speaker’s declaration — “The ayes have it!” — the nominations were confirmed, setting the stage for the swearing-in of the new justices.
The development marks a significant step in President Mahama’s judicial agenda, even as tensions linger over the process that led to the confirmations.
