Parliament has approved the contentious vetting report on President John Mahama’s Supreme Court nominees, clearing the path for their confirmation despite strong resistance from the Minority caucus.
The approval followed an intense debate on the floor and a decisive voice vote, which saw the Majority prevail.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin fiercely opposed the adoption of the report, accusing the Majority of placing “political convenience above constitutional principle.” He cautioned that the decision could set a troubling precedent for future judicial appointments.
In response, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga defended the process, maintaining that all seven nominees were thoroughly vetted and deemed competent to serve on the highest court.
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin dismissed claims by the Minority that their views were excluded from the Appointments Committee’s report. He ruled that the report was procedurally sound and reminded members that parliamentary rules allow dissenting opinions to be voiced during plenary debates.
“You will not be prevented from saying what you want to say. But the report reflects the decision of the committee as a whole,” the Speaker emphasized.
The debate ended in a voice vote, after which Speaker Bagbin declared: “The ayes have it!” — officially confirming the nominees to the Supreme Court.
