Ghana’s Parliament has approved all seven nominees appointed by President John Mahama to serve on the Supreme Court of Ghana, following the adoption of the 15th report of the Appointments Committee on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
The approved nominees, all of whom currently serve as Justices of the Court of Appeal, include:
Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei
Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh
Justice Senyo Dzamefe
Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo
Justice Philip Bright Mensah
Justice Janapare Bartels-Kodwo
Justice Hafisata Amaleboba
The Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, presented the report to Parliament and noted that while New Patriotic Party (NPP) members on the Committee voted against the approval of the nominees, members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who form the Majority, voted in favour.
“The Committee, therefore, recommends to the House by majority decision the adoption of this report and the approval of all seven Justices,” he stated.
This latest approval raises the number of Supreme Court Judges to 20.
Qualifications and Vetting Process
Chairman Ahiafor emphasized that all the nominees possess the necessary qualifications, demonstrated a firm grasp of judicial ethics, and showed deep knowledge of the law and constitutional values during their vetting.
“They addressed questions posed by the Committee with professionalism, clarity and intellectual rigour, reflecting their capacity to uphold the integrity, independence, and dignity of the highest court of the land,” he noted on the House floor.
The vetting process for the seven nominees began on Monday, June 16, and concluded on Friday, June 20, 2025, despite an attempt to halt the vetting of Justice Ackaah-Boafo.
Political Tensions in Parliament
Before the report was adopted, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin attempted to block the laying and consideration of the report, arguing that members needed more time to thoroughly read the contents.
“Mr. Speaker, don’t be inclined into granting the request by the Majority Leader for the report to be considered. We need to thoroughly read the report,” he pleaded.
However, Speaker of Parliament overruled the objection, stating that the motion must be adopted in line with the Standing Orders of Parliament.
Presidential Nomination in April
President John Mahama’s nominations were formally submitted in April 2025 via a letter signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, in accordance with Article 144(2) of the 1992 Constitution