By: Maame Efua Kwaduah
The National Democratic Congress has accused President Akufo-Addo of packing the Supreme Court with party loyalists to have control of the Judiciary and escape post regime accountability.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo in a letter dated May 30, 2024 formaly requested that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo nominate five judges to the Supreme Court of Ghana.
The nominees included Justice Afia Serwaa Asare Botchwey, who is currently presiding over the controversial ambulance trial involving the Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
The other nominees are Justice Cyra Pamela Koranteng, Justice Eric Kyei Baffour, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, and Justice Angelina Mensah Homiah.
Addressing the press on Thursday July, 4, 2024 at the party’s headquarters in Accra, General Secretary of the party Fifi Fiavi Kwetey described the move by Chief Justice Torkornoo not only as a political maneuver but also a threat to democratic principles and the independence of the judiciary.
He expressed dismay over what they perceive as attempts to undermine the constitution and established norms regarding judicial appointments.
He stated that the letter from Chief Justice Torkornoo requesting these appointments bypassed proper constitutional procedures and lacks transparency.
Additionally, Mr. Kwetey criticized what the NDC views as a trend of appointing judges aligned with the ruling party, potentially compromising the judiciary’s impartiality.
He emphasized the importance of upholding judicial independence and ensuring that judicial appointments adhere strictly to constitutional provisions, including consultation with the Judicial Council and parliamentary approval.
The NDC also called for a full disclosure of the criteria and processes of selecting the judges, stating that will ensure transparency and accountability.
He called on all Ghanaians to join hands in the fight and asserted that any attempt to undermine judicial integrity must be opposed vigorously to safeguard Ghana’s democratic institutions.