Parliament has approved the appointment of seven new Justices to the Supreme Court, following the presentation and adoption of a detailed report by the Appointments Committee. The approval—granted by a majority decision—came despite spirited opposition from the Minority side of the House.
The nominees, submitted by President John Dramani Mahama, were unanimously endorsed by the Majority Caucus after what the Committee described as a rigorous, fair, and constitutionally grounded vetting process.
Presenting the Committee’s report on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, First Deputy Speaker and Member of Parliament for Akatsi South, Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, who also chairs the Appointments Committee, praised the nominees for their exceptional legal minds and unwavering commitment to judicial ethics.
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“All the nominees demonstrated outstanding competence, deep knowledge of the law, and a firm grasp of judicial ethics. They addressed questions posed by the Committee with professionalism, clarity, and intellectual rigour, making them deserving of elevation to our nation’s apex court,” he stated.
The approved Supreme Court nominees are:
- Justice Senyo Dzamefe
- Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei
- Justice Ghell Simon Suurbaarch
- Justice Philip Bright Mensah
- Justice Janapare Adrua Bartels-Kodwo
- Justice Hafisata Amaleboba
- Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackuah-Boafo
The Majority Caucus, led by Hon. Mahama Ayariga, expressed confidence in the nominees’ capacity to fortify Ghana’s judicial independence and constitutional integrity.
“We are confident these justices will uphold the independence and integrity of our judiciary. This process has been thorough, constitutional, and in line with the rule of law,” Hon. Ayariga affirmed.
However, the Minority Caucus, led by Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, opposed the appointments, arguing that the additions could further deepen what they termed “judicial bloat.” They also raised concerns about the timing of the appointments, especially in the context of the Chief Justice’s suspension and what they described as a lack of judicial accountability in recent high-profile matters.
“This is not simply about filling vacancies on the bench. It is about reshaping the constitutional order during a sensitive period,” Hon. Afenyo-Markin said.
Despite these reservations, Parliament proceeded to adopt the report by a voice vote, in accordance with Article 144(2) of the 1992 Constitution and Order 217 of the Standing Orders of Parliament.
The newly appointed Justices are expected to be sworn in within the coming days. Their arrival at the Supreme Court is anticipated to strengthen the delivery of justice and reinforce public confidence in the rule of law at a time when the judiciary faces growing scrutiny.
The Committee expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their cooperation and reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to upholding constitutional values and judicial integrity.