President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo Addo has nominated three eminent justices from the Appeals Court to fill three vacancies on the Supreme Court bench. The President formally communicated to the legislative body. The nominees, Justice Anthony Kwofie, Justice Yaw Asare Darko, and Justice Adjei Frimpong, are awaiting Parliamentary confirmation.
President Akufo-Addo, in a letter read to the parliament, elucidated that the vacancies arose due to the mandated retirements of justices in February, May, and June, respectively. With the Supreme Court’s elevated jurisdiction comprising the Chief Justice and fifteen other justices, the current composition stands at thirteen justices, including the recently appointed Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
“To fill these vacancies and achieve a full complement of the court, I instructed the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, of my intentions to appoint to the Supreme Court,” stated President Akufo-Addo. He emphasized that the appointments are subject to the satisfactory conclusion of the process outlined in Article 144(2) of the constitution.
The President’s nominations were backed by the Judicial Council, which, on July 27, 2023, advised him on the suitability of the candidates for appointment to the Supreme Court. Following this, President Akufo-Addo fulfilled his duty under Article 144(2) by consulting the Council of State, submitting the nominees’ names and curricula vitae.
The Council of State, in a letter dated August 11, 2023, confirmed the successful completion of the consultation process. In accordance with Article 144(2) of the constitution, President Akufo-Addo is now seeking the approval of Parliament for the appointment of the three justices to the Supreme Court.
The responsibility of reviewing the nominations and presenting a report to Parliament falls on the Appointment Committee. The proceedings are presided over by the first deputy Speaker and Member of Parliament for Ashanti Bekwei, Joseph Osei-Wusu, who referred the matter to the committee for consideration.
