The main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to refrain from appointing more people to the nation’s higher courts.
The NDC’s General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, stated that President Akufo-Addo already had too many NPP supporters in the courts and that there was no need to nominate any more during a press conference on Thursday in Accra.
He continued by saying that there were sufficient judges to handle court matters.
Mr. Kwetey went on to say that it was only right that the future president make such an appointment, which would have a significant impact on the nation’s democracy.
“With general elections set to take place in a few months, we are of the view that President Akufo-Addo must immediately halt his plans to make any further appointments to the superior courts. This is in view of the fact that he has already packed the courts with too many of his loyalists to the disbelief of many right-thinking Ghanaians and consummate democrats.”
“Again, there are enough judges on the bench at this particular point in time to deal with judicial issues. More importantly, with elections on the horizon, it is fair that any such appointment with far-reaching implications on this constitutional democracy should be left for the next President of Ghana,” he stated.
This comes after the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, recommended five judges to President Akufo-Addo for nomination to the Supreme Court.
The list includes Justice Afia Serwaa Asare Botchwey, who is currently presiding over the Ato Forson trial.
According to a letter dated May 30, the Chief Justice praised Justice Asante’s leadership at the ECOWAS Court and noted that his tenure is expected to end in 2026 or earlier.
The other recommended judges are Justice Afia Asare Botwe, Justice Cyra Pamela Koranteng, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, Justice Eric Kyei Baffuour, and Justice Angelina Mensah Homiah.
