The usually rigorous vetting process for President John Mahama’s Supreme Court judge nominees has taken an unexpected turn in Parliament, as the hearing for Court of Appeal Justice Kweku T. Ackaah-Boafo has been postponed indefinitely.
The dramatic halt follows the eleventh-hour submission of a petition to Parliament’s Appointments Committee, levelling serious allegations of judicial bias and misconduct against the esteemed nominee.
This unprecedented delay leaves Justice Ackaah-Boafo’s elevation to Ghana’s highest court, which typically comprises around 15 active Justices and frequently sits in panels of 5 to 9 judges, in immediate limbo.
The petition has now been referred to Speaker Alban Bagbin for urgent action.
The formal complaint was lodged by Anthony Kwabenya Rau, who identifies himself as an “international human rights activist”.
Mr Rau’s petition accuses Justice Ackaah-Boafo of displaying extreme bias and using inappropriate language during previous court proceedings, specifically citing an incident at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) courts.
According to the document, Mr Rau alleges that Justice Ackaah-Boafo “insulted and attacked” him during a hearing, going as far as to label him a “so-called ‘Messiah’ international Human Rights Activist” and question his legitimate right to represent clients within Ghana.
More startlingly, the petitioner claims the judge’s official written judgement in the matter contained personal insults, which Mr Rau interprets as undeniable evidence of bias and corruption.
Credit: joyonline