Minority Leader and Effutu MP, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has fiercely criticised a petition lodged against Supreme Court nominee Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo, denouncing it as “frivolous” and a “dangerous precedent” that threatens the integrity of Ghana’s democratic and judicial processes.
Speaking during the vetting session held by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Friday, Afenyo-Markin warned against the growing trend of using unsubstantiated claims to tarnish the reputations of accomplished public figures.
“As a country, we must rise above trivialities and refrain from dragging the names of individuals through unnecessary public ridicule,” he stated. “I align with the sentiments expressed on behalf of this committee—we must safeguard the dignity of our institutions.”
The petition in question, submitted by self-proclaimed human rights activist Anthony Kwabenya Rau, accused Justice Ackaah-Boafo of misconduct in a 2019 case involving the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA). Rau alleged that the judge insulted him, questioned his legitimacy as a human rights advocate, and described him as a “so-called Messiah.” The petition went on to characterise the judge as “arrogant, biased, power-drunk,” and “supportive of corruption,” warning that his confirmation to the Supreme Court would be disastrous.
However, the Appointments Committee dismissed the petition as “frivolous, vexatious, and a complete abuse of process,” citing Article 127(3) of the 1992 Constitution, which protects judges from legal challenges based on their judicial conduct. Committee Chair Bernard Ahiafor announced the decision, reinforcing the principle of judicial independence.
Afenyo-Markin welcomed the committee’s ruling, commending its commitment to upholding the rule of law. “I am proud that this committee has boldly defended democracy by addressing such baseless allegations head-on,” he said.
He also expressed concern about the implications of legitimising weak petitions, referencing the ongoing suspension of the Chief Justice based on similarly questionable complaints. He cited cases involving Daniel Ofori and Yakubu Akolgo Ayanga, both of whom lodged complaints against the Chief Justice over alleged statements made in court—complaints that have since prompted a formal inquiry.
“These types of actions set a troubling precedent,” Afenyo-Markin warned. “We risk destabilising democratic institutions if we allow flimsy accusations to dictate the fates of our judiciary.”
He praised the Appointments Committee for resisting what he described as pettiness and affirmed the importance of protecting the judicial nomination process from politicisation.
Addressing criticism of the minority’s posture during the vetting process, Afenyo-Markin urged the public to view the committee’s role through a constitutional lens rather than a partisan one.
“We are not here to pursue personal vendettas,” he said. “We are here to uphold the law, promote good governance, and ensure that public policy is based on sound principles, not personal grievances.”
In closing, he reiterated his call for restraint, due process, and the preservation of institutional credibility as essential pillars of Ghana’s democratic progress.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem