Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Gaming Commission of Ghana, Lamtiig Apanga, has rejected claims that President John Dramani Mahama is attempting to “pack” the Supreme Court with his recent nominations, insisting that the move is intended to replace judges approaching retirement and ensure continuity at the apex court.
Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, July 18, Apanga said the nominations should be viewed as part of the normal succession process within the judiciary rather than a political attempt to influence the composition of the Supreme Court.
His remarks come in response to accusations by the Minority in Parliament that President Mahama’s nomination of three individuals to the Supreme Court amounts to an effort to expand his influence over the judiciary.
President Mahama recently nominated Court of Appeal Justices Sophia Bernasko-Essah and Amoako Asante, as well as legal practitioner and former Ghana Bar Association President Tony Forson, for appointment to the apex court.
Addressing concerns over the nominations, Apanga argued that critics have ignored the fact that several Supreme Court judges are nearing retirement, creating the need for replacements to be identified in advance.
According to him, the nominations are aimed at maintaining the court’s strength and ensuring a smooth transition when vacancies arise.
“There are justices who are due for retirement anytime soon. These names have been put forward as part of the replacement process. These are nominations, not appointments. They still have to go through the required constitutional processes before any appointments can be made.”he said.
Apanga stressed that the nominations should not be misconstrued as an attempt to increase the number of judges on the bench for political advantage.
“It is to ensure continuity, replacement and to manage the numbers. I don’t think there has been any attempt to pack the court,” he stated.
He further noted that the judiciary is expected to experience a number of retirements in the coming months, including that of the Chief Justice, making it necessary for the appointment process to begin early.
“We know, for instance, that the Chief Justice will be due for retirement in no time, sometime in December. There are others who are also due for retirement, and some of these nominations are coming in to replace those who may go on retirement,” he added.
Apanga maintained that the focus should be on the constitutional process and the qualifications of the nominees rather than allegations of political interference, arguing that the nominations are part of efforts to preserve stability and continuity within the country’s highest court.
The three nominees are expected to undergo the constitutionally mandated vetting and approval processes before any appointments to the Supreme Court are finalised.
