Parliament has approved the controversial Supreme Court vetting report, paving the way for the confirmation of President John Mahama’s judicial nominees, despite strong objections from the Minority caucus.
The decision came after a heated debate and a decisive voice vote that saw the Majority carry the day.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin mounted a spirited opposition to the report, arguing that the Majority was prioritizing “political convenience over constitutional principle.”
He warned that the move could set a dangerous precedent for future judicial appointments.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga countered these claims, insisting that all seven nominees were thoroughly vetted and found competent to serve on the nation’s highest court.
Speaker Alban Bagbin had earlier ruled that the Appointments Committee’s report was properly constituted, dismissing Minority claims that their inputs were excluded. In a pointed remark, the Speaker revealed:
Mr Bagbin stressed that parliamentary procedure allows for Minority concerns to be raised during floor debates.
“You will not be prevented from saying what you want to say. But the report captures the decision of the whole committee.”
The session culminated in a voice vote, with the Speaker declaring: “The ayes have it!” before pronouncing the justices duly confirmed.
The ruling clears the path for the new justices to assume their positions on the Supreme Court bench.
The approval follows days of tension after Afenyo-Markin initially blocked the report’s presentation, claiming the Minority hadn’t endorsed it. Appointments Committee Chairman Bernard Ahiafor had revealed that while Minority comments were incorporated, last-minute demands couldn’t be accommodated.
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