Mahama nominates three for Supreme Court appointments

President John Dramani Mahama has nominated three legal professionals for appointment to Ghana’s Supreme Court, according to MyJoyOnline.

The nominees are Justices Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah and Edward Amoako Asante of the Court of Appeal, as well as private legal practitioner Tony Forson, a former president of the Ghana Bar Association.

Under the 1992 Constitution, appointments to the Supreme Court are made by the President in consultation with the Judicial Council and are subject to approval by Parliament. MyJoyOnline reported that the nominations were made following consultation with the Council.

Next stage is parliamentary vetting

The three nominees are expected to appear before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for vetting. The committee will subsequently make recommendations to the full House, which must approve the nominations before the appointments can proceed.

If approved by Parliament, the nominees would take office after being sworn in by the President.

Justice Amoako Asante previously served as president of the ECOWAS Court of Justice before returning to Ghana’s Court of Appeal, the report said. Justice Bernasko Essah has also served on the Court of Appeal, while Mr Forson has had a long career in private legal practice and previously led the Ghana Bar Association.

Role of the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is Ghana’s highest court. It has final appellate jurisdiction in civil and criminal cases and exercises original jurisdiction over constitutional interpretation and enforcement, including disputes concerning presidential elections.

MyJoyOnline reported that, should all three nominations receive approval, the number of serving Supreme Court justices would rise from 18 to 21.