Ghana Parliament Begins Vetting of Seven Supreme Court Nominees

The Appointments Committee of Parliament has commenced the vetting of seven Justices of the Court of Appeal nominated for elevation to Ghana’s Supreme Court. The high-stakes process began at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 16, 2025, taking place in Committee Rooms 1, 2, and 3 of Parliament’s New Administration Block.

The Nominees Under Review:

• Justice Senyo Dzamefe

• Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei

• Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh

• Justice Philip Bright Mensah

• Justice Janapare Adzua Bartels-Kodwo

• Justice Hafisata Amaleboba

• Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo

Justice Dzamefe Faces Committee First

Justice Senyo Dzamefe was the first to appear before the committee, undergoing over four hours of questioning. His prior role as Commissioner of the Commission of Inquiry into Ghana’s 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign was a focal point, alongside his extensive appellate court jurisprudence.

Judicial Experience at the Core

All seven nominees currently serve on the Court of Appeal and were nominated by former President John Dramani Mahama under Article 144(2) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. The article requires that presidential nominations to the Supreme Court be made in consultation with the Council of State and subject to parliamentary approval.

• Justice Dennis Adjei is celebrated for his expertise in judicial education and human rights law.

• Justice Suurbaareh is known for his legal work across the Upper West Region.

• Justices Mensah and Bartels-Kodwo have handled key electoral and civil appeal cases.

• Justice Hafisata Amaleboba stands out for her contributions to criminal justice reform and gender representation on the bench.

• Justice Ackaah-Boafo, with a background in private legal practice, is respected for his work in commercial and constitutional law.

Addressing Vacancies on the Supreme Court

If approved, the nominees will fill seats vacated by recent retirements, including that of Justice Nene Amegatcher and Justice Professor Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu—both of whom left indelible marks on Ghana’s highest court.

The vetting is expected to continue through the week, with intense scrutiny from lawmakers, legal analysts, and civil society. The outcome will shape the composition and direction of the Supreme Court as it prepares to address a growing docket of constitutional, electoral, and socio-economic cases.

Stay tuned for further updates as Parliament’s Appointments Committee evaluates the legal minds poised to join Ghana’s apex court.