Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has firmly dismissed allegations from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that President Nana Akufo-Addo is strategically appointing judges to the Supreme Court who are sympathetic to the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The AG addressed these claims during an interview at the United States Independence Day Event held at the Embassy Garden in Accra.
The NDC, in a statement released on Thursday, July 4, accused President Akufo-Addo and the Chief Justice of colluding to appoint judges who would protect current government officials from future accountability.
The opposition party contended that the Judicial Council had unanimously resisted the elevation of five judges to the Supreme Court, only to be overridden by the Chief Justice and the President in a covert manner.
Fiifi Kwetey, the NDC’s General Secretary, expressed serious concerns over the nominations, asserting that the move to appoint five new judges to the highest court appeared unjust and warranted strong opposition.
In response, Attorney General Dame refuted these accusations, emphasizing that the nominations were made at the request of the Chief Justice based on the operational needs of the judiciary. He underscored the legitimacy and necessity of these appointments.
“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,” Dame stated. “It is also important to note that the Supreme Court of Ghana is quite unique.”
The AG’s comments aim to reassure the public and counter the narrative presented by the NDC. He stressed that the appointments were made transparently and in the best interest of the judicial system, not to serve any political agenda.