Parliament vets nominees to SC today 

Parliament’s Appointments Committee will today begin a three-day vetting process for seven nominees to Ghana’s Supreme Court, in a move that could redefine the composition of the nation’s highest judicial body.

Schedule

Monday, June 16, 2025 – Vetting begins at 10:00 AM

• Justice Senyo Dzamefe
• Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei
• Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh

Tuesday, June 17, 2025 – Vetting begins at 11:00 AM

• Justice Philip Bright Mensah
• Justice Janapare Bartels-Kodwo

Wednesday, June 18, 2025 – Vetting begins at 11:00 AM

• Justice Hafisata Amaleboba
• Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo

The nominees, all elevated from the Court of Appeal, were named by President John Dramani Mahama in a letter dated April 29, 2025, pursuant to Article 144(2) of the 1992 Constitution. Their vetting comes at a time when the judiciary faces mounting pressure to maintain impartiality, bolster public trust, and uphold constitutional integrity in an increasingly polarized political landscape.

Day One: A distinguished start

Proceedings begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 16, with the vetting of Justices Senyo Dzamefe, Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei, and Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh.

Among them, Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei stands out with an illustrious career that extends beyond Ghana’s borders. A Justice of both the Court of Appeal and the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Justice Adjei’s global legal footprint is exceptional. His academic and professional contributions span across top institutions such as the University of London and Duke University, where he earned advanced legal degrees in criminology and judicial studies, respectively.

His reputation as a prolific legal scholar precedes him—he is the author of several foundational legal textbooks in Ghana, and a sought-after lecturer at multiple universities. His appointment, if approved, would inject both scholarly depth and international legal experience into the Supreme Court’s bench.

Also scheduled for Monday’s vetting is Justice Senyo Dzamefe, who gained prominence for chairing the Dzamefe Commission that investigated Ghana’s 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign, and Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh, known for his measured rulings and advocacy for legal reforms in Northern Ghana.

Day Two: Judicial voices from the middle belt

On Tuesday, June 17, the Committee will reconvene at 11:00 a.m. to vet Justice Philip Bright Mensah and Justice Janapare Bartels-Kodwo, both seasoned Court of Appeal judges whose records reflect deep engagements with civil litigation and commercial law.

Justice Mensah, known for his articulate judgments and advocacy for judicial ethics, is expected to be questioned on his stance regarding judicial independence and efficiency, particularly in high-stakes commercial disputes.

Justice Bartels-Kodwo, on the other hand, brings a unique perspective from his experience handling constitutional matters. His responses are anticipated to provide insight into how the next generation of Supreme Court justices might approach evolving questions on separation of powers and citizens’ rights.

Day Three: Gender, justice, and the future

The final day of vetting, Wednesday, June 18, beginning at 11:00 a.m., will feature two prominent nominees: Justice Hafisata Amaleboba and Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo.

Justice Amaleboba’s nomination has been widely welcomed by gender equity advocates. A vocal supporter of access to justice for women and children, she is expected to be grilled on how she intends to bridge gender disparities in the legal system and protect vulnerable groups within the judicial process.

Justice Ackaah-Boafo is expected to face scrutiny over his rulings in several high-profile constitutional cases. His judicial temperament and interpretation of the 1992 Constitution may offer clues to how he would influence future Supreme Court decisions on governance and elections.

A turning point for Ghana’s Judiciary

Should Parliament approve all seven nominees, President Mahama would have significantly reshaped the apex court—an act with far-reaching implications for jurisprudence, governance, and democratic consolidation.

Legal experts note that the breadth of experience among the nominees—from international human rights law to land administration and statutory interpretation—signals a deliberate effort to craft a judiciary capable of addressing Ghana’s most pressing constitutional challenges.

Critics, however, have raised concerns about the timing of the nominations and whether political considerations may have influenced the selections. Nonetheless, the vetting process offers an opportunity for transparency, allowing Parliament and the public to assess the integrity, expertise, and vision of those who may soon occupy the highest echelons of the judiciary.

As the spotlight turns to the Appointments Committee this week, all eyes will be on how Ghana balances continuity and reform in its judicial future.

Follow us for daily updates and expert analysis from the parliamentary vetting.