The usually rigorous vetting process for President John Mahama’s Supreme Court judge nominees has taken an unexpected turn in Parliament, as the hearing for Court of Appeal Justice Kweku T. Ackaah-Boafo has been postponed indefinitely.
The dramatic halt follows the last-minute submission of a petition to Parliament’s Appointments Committee, alleging judicial bias and misconduct against the nominee.
This unprecedented delay puts Justice Ackaah-Boafo’s elevation to Ghana’s highest court — which typically comprises around 15 active Justices and frequently sits in panels of five to nine — in immediate limbo. The petition has since been referred to Speaker Alban Bagbin for urgent action.
The complaint was lodged by Anthony Kwabenya Rau, who identifies himself as an “international human rights activist”. He accuses Justice Ackaah-Boafo of displaying extreme bias and using inappropriate language during proceedings at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) courts.
According to the petition, Mr Rau claims the judge “insulted and attacked” him in court, branding him a “so-called ‘Messiah’ international human rights activist” and questioning his right to represent clients in Ghana.
He also alleges that Justice Ackaah-Boafo’s written judgement included personal insults, which he interprets as evidence of bias and corruption.
The petition describes the judge as “arrogant, biased, power-drunk, an abuser of human rights, and supportive of corruption.”
Mr Rau warned in his submission: “For me, he will be a disaster at the Supreme Court if approved — for the international and national interest of the Republic. These are my reasons to petition the vetting committee not to approve this particular judge.”
He further raised concerns about Justice Ackaah-Boafo’s cultural grounding, referencing his Canadian background and alleged disrespect toward the 67-year-old petitioner, which he believes violates local customs on age-based respect.
Mr Rau also questioned the judge’s conduct in a case involving the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, alleging that he refused to grant interest payments shortly before his promotion to the Court of Appeal by former President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Sources close to Justice Ackaah-Boafo have strongly denied the allegations, describing the petition as baseless. While disappointed by the vetting’s delay, they say the judge remains composed and ready to appear before the committee once the process resumes.
The allegations stand in contrast to recent public commendations of Justice Ackaah-Boafo’s character and professional integrity.
Parliament’s Standing Orders (Order 99) require that petitions received by the Appointments Committee be investigated within 30 days to determine whether they are frivolous or vexatious.
The referral to Speaker Bagbin signals the gravity of the matter, and his response is expected to shape the path forward.
This controversy brings renewed focus to the balance between judicial independence and accountability in the appointment of Ghana’s top judges.
As the nation awaits the Speaker’s decision, the fate of Justice Ackaah-Boafo’s nomination — and possibly the future tone of Supreme Court vettings — hangs in the balance.