The Appointments Committee of Parliament failed to reach a consensus on the vetting of two Supreme Court Judge Nominees, Justice Sophia Rosseta Bernasko Essah and Professor Richard Frimpong Oppong.
The disagreement between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Minority and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Majority Members of the Committee led to the suspension of the sitting.
The Minority Members alleged that the Vice Chairperson of the Committee, Mrs. Patricia Appiagyei, unilaterally wrote letters to the Nominees inviting them for vetting without the consent of the Committee.
Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the Minority, stated that the Minority is not against the appointment of the Nominees, but wants to do their work diligently.
He criticized the Vice Chairman for shifting the vetting date without consulting the Committee, saying “This is not a Banana Republic. This is the Republic of Ghana… Please, do not destroy our democracy.”
The Minority Members also raised concerns about the lack of advertisement of the Nominees for the required 14 days, with only four days of advertisement so far.
Mr. Mahama Ayariga, NDC MP for Bawku Central, urged the Committee to take its time and do a decent job.
Mr. Kwame Governs Agbodza, Minority Chief Whip, emphasized that Parliament must not be controlled by unseen hands.
The Majority Chief Whip, Mr. Frank Annoh-Dompreh, suggested that the two Leaders of the Committee would meet to resolve the matter.
The vetting of the Supreme Court Judge Nominees has been put on hold until further consultations are held.
By : Michael Seh
