Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has launched a fierce critique of President John Mahama’s nomination of seven Court of Appeal judges to the Supreme Court, framing the move as a calculated bid to manipulate judicial independence and advance a “third-term agenda.”
Speaking at a New Patriotic Party (NPP) press conference, Afenyo-Markin warned that the appointments threaten Ghana’s constitutional order and democratic stability.
Afenyo-Markin dismissed the nominations as routine, arguing they represent a deliberate effort to install loyalists ahead of critical legal battles.
“This is not a routine judicial appointment. It’s a strategic move to pack the Supreme Court with allies,” he declared, linking the decision to Mahama’s recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
The suspension, now contested by the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) as unconstitutional, has fueled accusations of executive overreach.
The Minority Leader explicitly tied the nominations to an alleged plot to extend Mahama’s presidency beyond constitutional limits.
Afenyo-Markin asserted“The timing-right after suspending the Chief Justice-exposes a dangerous ambition, a third-term agenda in disguise”.
He claimed the National Democratic Congress (NDC) aims to reinterpret constitutional term limits through a judiciary stacked with presidential allies.
Afenyo-Markin cautioned that the nominations risk eroding public trust in the judiciary and destabilizing Ghana’s democracy.
“This isn’t about strengthening the rule of law; it’s about seizing power through the backdoor,” he said.
The Minority Leader framed the issue as a national crisis transcending partisan politics.
He emphasized “We must unite to protect our judiciary’s integrity. Silence is not an option,” he added.
The opposition NPP has signaled plans for a “Save Our Judiciary” demonstration, amplifying pressure on the government to reconsider the nominations.
The nominated justices awaiting parliamentary approvals are;
Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei, Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh, Senyo Dzamefe, Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo, Philip Bright Mensah, Janapare Bartels-Kodwo, and Hafisata Amaleboba.
Source : www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
