Supreme Court dismisses application for an injunction against approving President Akufo-Addo’s new ministerial appointees

The Supreme Court has rejected a petition seeking an injunction against the confirmation of President Akufo-Addo’s new ministerial appointees.

The petition, filed by Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, a legislator from South Dayi, was dismissed by the apex court, which labelled it as frivolous and an abuse of legal procedures.

Today’s proceedings at the Supreme Court were marked by intriguing developments as the court deliberated on the petition brought forward by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament.

The fate of recently nominated ministers and reshuffled appointees under President Akufo-Addo was hanging in the balance.

This petition was the basis on which the Speaker of Parliament had decided to postpone the approval of the new appointees following their vetting process.

Dafeamekpor, in his legal action against the Speaker of Parliament (the 1st defendant) and the Attorney General (the 2nd defendant), contended that the President should have sought parliamentary approval before reassigning ministers whose appointments were terminated.

President Akufo-Addo’s reshuffle on February 14, 2024, resulted in the removal of 13 ministers and 10 deputy ministers from their positions, while 6 others were reassigned to different portfolios.

During today’s court session, there was a notable absence of the applicant, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, and his legal representatives.

At one juncture, the court adjourned briefly to verify certain facts related to the case, particularly regarding whether the bailiff had properly served the parties, especially the Plaintiff, Mr. Dafeamekpor, with a hearing notice.

The Attorney General criticised the conduct of the MP’s lawyer, labelling it as the highest form of disrespect towards the apex court and as professional misconduct.

Despite the non-appearance of Mr. Dafeamekpor and his lawyer, the court proceeded with the case, leading to an interesting development as the NDC legislator’s attorney refused to accept court documents, including a hearing notice.

The legal representatives for the Speaker of Parliament opposed the injunction application, arguing that it did not meet the necessary requirements for an injunction to be granted.

Ultimately, the Supreme Court dismissed the case.

The panel of judges overseeing the case included Justice Kingsley Koomson, Justice Mariama Owusu, Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo (Presiding), Justice Amadu Tanko, and Justice Yaw Darko Asare.

Despite the absence of Mr. Dafeamekpor’s legal team, the Supreme Court ruled against the injunction application.