Afenyo-Markin Accuses Mahama Of Judicial Overreach With Supreme Court Nominations

/ Minority Leader warns of "third-term agenda" as President nominates 7 new judges to apex court.

Accra, Ghana — The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has raised strong objections to President John Dramani Mahama’s latest judicial nominations, alleging that the move is part of a covert agenda to facilitate a potential third-term bid.

Afenyo-Markin claims Mahama is interfering with judicial independence through his Supreme
Court nominations.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, May 1, 2025, Afenyo-Markin described the nomination of seven Court of Appeal judges to the Supreme Court as a calculated attempt to compromise the independence of Ghana’s judiciary.

“This government must tread with the greatest caution, always keeping tomorrow in mind,” Afenyo-Markin cautioned. “These decisions may shape future governance.”

The Minority Leader didn’t mince words, asserting that the appointments appear to be a strategic move by President Mahama—allegedly under the influence of senior figures within the National Democratic Congress (NDC)—to “set the stage for a third-term bid.”

The Nominees

The seven judges nominated for elevation to the Supreme Court are:

    👉 Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei

    👉 Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh

    👉 Justice Senyo Dzamefe

    👉 Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackah-Boafo

    👉 Justice Philip Bright Mensah

    👉 Justice Janpere Bartels-Kodwo

    👉 Justice Hafisata Ameleboba

READ ALSO: Npp's Justin Kodua Alleges CJ Torkornoo's Suspension Linked To Mahama's 'Third Term' Agenda

While the President maintains that these nominations are to strengthen the judiciary and ensure swift justice delivery, critics argue that the mass appointments could tip the balance of judicial independence.

Afenyo-Markin called on civil society organisations, religious leaders, and the public to resist what he termed a “political weaponisation” of the judiciary.

“This is a national issue that transcends partisan lines. The integrity of our justice system is at stake,” he said, urging collective action to preserve democratic checks and balances.

The move has sparked fresh debate about executive influence on the judiciary, especially given Ghana’s historical sensitivities around constitutional amendments and term limits.

With speculation mounting around Mahama's political intentions beyond 2028, analysts are keeping a close watch on these appointments and their potential impact on governance and public trust.

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