SC dismisses injunction application against approval of ministerial nominees

The Supreme Court has dismissed the application for injunction filed by South Dayi Member of Parliament Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor injuncting Parliament from approving ministerial nominees. The Supreme Court said it cannot hold the hand of Parliament in proceeding with the vetting and approval of the Ministers. The injunction application is hereby dismissed.

Today, the Supreme Court oversaw an application filed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament, which had significant implications for the fate of newly nominated ministers and reshuffled ministers appointed by President Akufo-Addo. The application led the Speaker of Parliament to delay approving the new appointees following their vetting.

In the lawsuit against the Speaker of Parliament and the Attorney General, Dafeamekpor argued that the President should have sought parliamentary approval before reassigning ministers whose appointments were revoked. President Akufo-Addo’s reshuffle on February 14, 2024, resulted in several ministers being relieved of their duties and others being reassigned.

Despite the absence of Dafeamekpor and his lawyers in court, the case proceeded. The Attorney General criticized the conduct of the MP’s lawyer, labeling it as disrespectful to the court. The Speaker’s lawyers opposed the injunction application, stating it did not meet the necessary requirements.

Ultimately, the Supreme Court dismissed the case, with Justice Kingsley Koomson, Justice Mariama Owusu, Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, Justice Amadu Tanko, and Justice Yaw Darko Asare presiding over the proceedings. The ruling went against Dafeamekpor’s injunction application.