- Majority Leader rejects NDC's Supreme Court packing claim.
- Supreme Court needs more judges to handle heavy workload.
- NDC accuses government of trying to manipulate the judiciary.
- Majority Leader says expansion is for court's growth, not politics.
The Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has dismissed claims by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that the Supreme Court is being packed with the recommendation of five new Justices. According to him, the decision is necessary to address the numerous cases the Supreme Court is facing.
He explained that the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction is multifaceted, unlike in the US and UK, and therefore requires a larger bench to handle the workload. Afenyo-Markin noted that the 1992 constitution sets a minimum number of Supreme Court judges, indicating that the framers anticipated the need for expansion in the future.
The NDC had accused President Akufo-Addo and Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo of attempting to pack the Supreme Court with the recommendation of five new Justices. General Secretary Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey described the move as an affront to democracy and a threat to the judiciary’s independence.
However, Afenyo-Markin argued that the expansion of the Supreme Court is necessary for its growth and development, just like the expansion of Ghana’s regions from ten to sixteen. He emphasized that the argument of court packing is untenable and that the NDC’s claims are baseless.
The Majority Leader also pointed out that the Supreme Court’s workload has increased significantly over the years, making it necessary to add more judges to the bench. He cited the constitution’s provision for a minimum number of judges, indicating that the framers intended for the court to grow.
Afenyo-Markin emphasized that the expansion of the Supreme Court is not a political maneuver but rather a necessary reform to ensure the court’s effectiveness. He urged Ghanaians to support the move, stating that it is essential for the country’s democratic development.
The NDC had claimed that the addition of five new judges would create a judiciary that is an extension of executive power, rather than a check on it. However, Afenyo-Markin argued that the expansion would strengthen the judiciary’s independence and enhance its ability to deliver justice.
The Majority Leader’s comments come after President Akufo-Addo’s recommendation of five new Justices to the Supreme Court, following a request from Chief Justice Torkornoo. The move has sparked debate, with the NDC accusing the government of attempting to manipulate the judiciary.
Afenyo-Markin’s explanation, however, provides context and justification for the expansion of the Supreme Court. His argument highlights the need for institutional growth and development, which is essential for Ghana’s democratic progress.
The Majority Leader’s statement provides a clear understanding of the issues at hand, and his argument provides a solid foundation for the expansion of the Supreme Court. The debate is expected to continue, but Afenyo-Markin’s explanation has shed light on the necessity of the move.
