Attorney General Refutes NDC Allegations of Court Stacking by President Akufo-Addo

Accra – July 5, 2024 – Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has dismissed allegations made by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that President Akufo-Addo is appointing Supreme Court judges who are sympathetic to the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The NDC claimed on Thursday, July 4, that President Akufo-Addo and the Chief Justice are conspiring to protect current government officials from future accountability. The party also alleged that the Judicial Council’s unanimous resistance to the elevation of five judges to the Supreme Court was overruled covertly by the Chief Justice and the President.

Responding to these allegations, Attorney General Dame asserted that the accusations are unfounded. He clarified that the nominations were made at the request of the Chief Justice based on the operational needs of the court.

“What I am aware of is the request from the Chief Justice, and there is no malice in that. The Judiciary is undoubtedly better placed to provide ample justification for an enhanced Supreme Court, but it is also worth noting that the Supreme Court of Ghana is quite unique,” Dame stated in an interview at the United States Independence Day event held at the Embassy Garden in Accra.

Fifi Kwetey, General Secretary of the NDC, expressed concern over the nominations, suggesting that the appointment of five new judges to the apex court appears unjust and should be contested.

However, Attorney General Dame emphasized the legitimacy and transparency of the nomination process, rejecting any notion of political bias or manipulation.

“The Judiciary’s operational requirements necessitated the appointments, and any insinuations of partisan influence are baseless,” he concluded.

The controversy arises amid broader political tensions and highlights the ongoing scrutiny over judicial appointments in Ghana. The government’s response and the unfolding developments will be closely watched in the coming days.

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