Supreme Court dismisses suits challenging judges’ appointment 

The Supreme Court has dismissed the suits seeking constitutional interpretation on the appointments of Superior Court judges and Commissioner for the Electoral Commission.

The consolidated suits were filed by the Ghana Bar Association, a journalist, Richard Sky and a lawyer, Kwasi Danso Acheampong.

They wanted the court to define the terms under which the President could appoint Justices to the Higher Courts and also Chairpersons for the EC. 

It was the opinion of the plaintiffs that the President  is bound to appoint a Chairperson for the EC and Superior Court Justices based on the strict advice of the Council of State and the Judicial Council. 

The Court however held that the President is not bound by the advise of the two bodies in those appointments. It however said that in the case of the appointment of Justices, the President cannot appoint persons who have not been nominated by the Judicial Council.

The GBA suit was triggered by the appointment of Justice Yaw Apau and Gabriel Pwamang to the Supreme Court. 

According to the Association, the appointment of the two by the President was in violation of the recommendations of the Judicial Council.

GBC