The Supreme Court has rejected an application for an injunction against the approval of President Akufo-Addo’s new ministerial appointees, filed by South Dayi legislator Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor.
The court deemed the application frivolous and an abuse of court processes.
The application was a focal point as the fate of newly nominated and reshuffled ministers appointed by President Akufo-Addo hung in the balance. It was the basis on which the Speaker of Parliament decided to delay approving the new appointees after their vetting.
In his 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, saw 13 ministers and 10 deputy ministers relieved of their posts, while 6 were reassigned to various portfolios.
During the court proceedings, there was drama as Dafeamekpor and his lawyers were absent. The case was stood down at one point to verify if the bailiff served the parties, especially the Plaintiff, with a hearing notice.
The Attorney General criticized the conduct of Dafeamekpor’s lawyer, calling it a form of disrespect to the apex court and professional misconduct.
Despite the absence of Dafeamekpor and his lawyer, the court proceeded with the case. The lawyer for the NDC legislator refused to accept court documents, including a hearing notice.
Lawyers for the Speaker of Parliament opposed the injunction application, arguing that it did not meet the requirements for an injunction to be granted.
Ultimately, the Supreme Court dismissed the case. The five judges presiding over the case were Justice Kingsley Koomson, Justice Mariama Owusu, Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo (Presiding), Justice Amadu Tanko, and Justice Yaw Darko Asare.