'Interesting times ahead for Judiciary' – Frank Davies on Mahama’s SC nominations

Frank Davies, a senior member of the Ghana Bar Association, commented on President John Dramani Mahama’s recent Supreme Court nominations. He called it a significant development and said it signals "interesting times ahead for the judiciary."

The President nominated seven Justices of the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court. This was done under Article 144(2) of the 1992 Constitution. The nominees are Justices Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei, Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh, Senyo Dzamefe, Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo, Philip Bright Mensah, Janapare Bartels-Kojo, and Hafisata Amaleboba.

On Joy FM’s Newsnight on April 30, Mr. Davies acknowledged the President's constitutional right to make these appointments. However, he questioned the timing and broader implications of these nominations.

He stated that while no one can take away the President's right to nominate justices, there are concerns about optics. Mr. Davies congratulated the nominees but referenced comments made by President Mahama at a forum.

At this forum, Mahama encouraged lawyers from the opposition NDC to seek judicial positions. This was aimed at balancing past appointments made by former President Nana Akufo-Addo.

Davies noted that if this context is considered alongside current nominations, Ghanaians will have their own judgments. He emphasized that he is just a trained lawyer and citizen expressing his views.

Lastly, he expressed concern about the growing size of the Supreme Court and its current number of justices.