Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of political inconsistency over President John Dramani Mahama’s recent nominations to the Supreme Court.
According to the Member of Parliament for Effutu, the NDC criticised the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration over what it described as attempts to “pack” the apex court but is now engaging in similar actions after returning to government.
Speaking exclusively on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Mr Afenyo-Markin acknowledged that the Constitution gives the President the authority to nominate judges to the Supreme Court.
However, he said his concern was not about the legality of the appointments but the political position taken by the NDC while in opposition.
“Is the NDC a principled political party? I submit that they are not a principled political party, because in opposition, they criticised the Akufo-Addo administration for packing the court,” he said.
The Minority Leader recalled that the NDC, then in opposition under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama, opposed some Supreme Court appointments made during the Akufo-Addo administration, arguing that the move could influence the composition of the highest court.
He cited criticisms from the NDC following a May 2024 request by then-Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo for the appointment of five additional Supreme Court judges.
At the time, the party’s General Secretary, Fifi Kwetey, called for a halt to further appointments, alleging that the judiciary risked being influenced by the executive.
But Mr Afenyo-Markin argued that the NDC had changed its position after assuming office.
“Today, you got the opportunity, and you are even doing worse. So where is the principle?” he questioned.
He stressed that his criticism was not directed at the competence or qualifications of the individual nominees but rather what he described as the inconsistency in the party’s stance.
“If NDC said certain things in opposition and cannot stick to what they said now in government, then Ghanaians should not take them seriously,” he added.
The comments come after President Mahama nominated three persons for appointment to the Supreme Court, including Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, and private legal practitioner Tony Forson.
The nominees are expected to go through parliamentary scrutiny before their possible appointment to the apex court.
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