Vetting of Supreme Court Nominee Justice Ackaah-Boafo Postponed Over Petition

Parliament’s Appointments Committee has indefinitely postponed the vetting of Justice Kweku T. Ackaah-Boafo, a nominee to the Supreme Court, following the submission of a late petition alleging judicial misconduct.

Justice Ackaah-Boafo, currently serving at the Court of Appeal, was scheduled to appear before the committee as part of the ongoing vetting process for President John Mahama’s Supreme Court nominees. The suspension introduces fresh uncertainty into his potential elevation to the nation’s highest court.

The petition was submitted by Anthony Kwabenya Rau, who identifies as an international human rights activist. The document, which has been referred to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, for urgent consideration, accuses the nominee of bias and unprofessional conduct during a previous case heard at the DVLA court.

According to Rau, Justice Ackaah-Boafo allegedly verbally berated him in open court, referring to him as a “so-called ‘Messiah’ international Human Rights Activist” and questioning his legal standing to represent clients in Ghana.

The nature and timing of the complaint have prompted the committee to place the vetting on hold until the matter is fully reviewed.

Justice Ackaah-Boafo’s nomination forms part of efforts by President Mahama to fill vacancies and strengthen the capacity of the Supreme Court, which traditionally comprises around 15 Justices and hears cases in panels of five to nine.

The Appointments Committee has yet to announce a new date for the vetting or whether the petition will impact the final decision on his nomination.