Laughter erupted during the vetting of Supreme Court nominee, Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo, on Friday when he was asked to recite Ghana’s national pledge.
The moment unfolded after Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin asked the nominee to recite the pledge following his remarks about the importance of patriotism.
In response, Justice Ackaah-Boafo replied, “Mr. Chair, I am not sure I am able to recite it,” prompting laughter in the room.
Afenyo-Markin pressed further, saying, “I did not say that in spite of the fact that you said you cannot recite it in full, you should still recite it. I only said share with us those aspects that immediately come to mind.”
At that point, Committee Chairman Bernard Ahiafor stepped in to defend the nominee, commending him for his honesty.
“The nominee is honest to say that ‘I will not be able to recite it,’ so why will you insist? An honest answer has been given,” Mr. Ahiafor stated.
Justice Ackaah-Boafo then attempted to recite the beginning of the pledge but could not complete it.
Afenyo-Markin decided to guide him through the lines, though he too fumbled a few parts. Noticing this, Chairman Ahiafor teased, “But you are struggling too.”
Afenyo-Markin replied, “If I am struggling, at least I have made an attempt.”
To which Mr. Ahiafor humorously retorted, “That is why I haven’t made any attempt—because I don’t want to struggle.”
The light exchange added a touch of levity to an otherwise formal vetting session.
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