In a calm yet revealing vetting process, six of the seven Supreme Court nominees have so far appeared before Parliament, offering Ghanaians a rare glimpse into the legal philosophies and convictions of individuals poised to shape the future of the country’s apex court.
The nominees: Justices Senyo Dzamefe, Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei, Gbiel Simon Suurebaareh, Philip Bright Mensah, Janapare Bartels-Kodwo, and Hafisata Amaleboba; addressed a wide range of issues including judicial independence, constitutional interpretation, traditional justice systems, and public accountability.
The process has provided insight not only into their professional track records but also into how they intend to approach some of the most consequential matters facing the judiciary.
Justice Senyo Dzamefe, the first to appear, underscored the importance of judicial independence and impartiality. He highlighted his experience handling complex cases and reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the rule of law.
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Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei spoke extensively about his vision for the Supreme Court, emphasizing the need for judges to proactively promote justice and fairness. He also addressed judicial accountability and the role of the courts in strengthening good governance.
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Justice Gbiel Simon Suurebaareh offered a unique perspective by highlighting the relevance of traditional justice systems in Ghana. He called for greater engagement between the formal judiciary and traditional authorities and advocated for the integration of customary law where appropriate.
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Justices Philip Bright Mensah and Janapare Bartels-Kodwo, who were vetted jointly, shared their legal philosophies and decision-making approaches. Both reiterated their commitment to constitutionalism and judicial integrity.
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Justice Hafisata Amaleboba’s vetting stood out for her strong backing of President John Mahama’s directive on sanctions against ministers who fail to declare their assets. She argued that these actions do not interfere with the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), stating that both the Presidency and CHRAJ can act independently in addressing misconduct.
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The final nominee, Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo, is expected to appear before the Appointments Committee on Friday, June 20.
As the vetting nears its conclusion, the testimonies offered by the nominees are likely to influence Parliament’s decision on their confirmation. With legal expertise, personal conviction, and public trust on the line, the outcome will shape the composition and direction of Ghana’s highest court for years to come.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Benjamin Sackey
