Story By: Akua Oteng Amponsah
The vetting session for Justice Kweku T. Ackaah-Boafo, a nominee for the Supreme Court, has been postponed indefinitely due to a last-minute petition alleging judicial bias and misconduct.
The petition, filed by Anthony Kwabenya Rau, an international human rights activist, accuses Justice Ackaah-Boafo of displaying extreme bias and using inappropriate language during previous court proceedings.
The petition alleges that Justice Ackaah-Boafo “insulted and attacked” Mr Rau during a hearing, labeling him a “so-called ‘Messiah’ international Human Rights Activist” and questioning his legitimate right to represent clients within Ghana. Mr Rau also claims that the judge’s official written judgment contained personal insults, which he interprets as evidence of bias and corruption.
The petitioner describes Justice Ackaah-Boafo as “arrogant, biased, power-drunk, an abuser of human rights, and supportive of corruption.” He warns that the nominee would be a “disaster” at the Supreme Court if approved.
Response from Justice Ackaah-Boafo’s Camp Sources close to Justice Ackaah-Boafo have refuted the claims, dismissing the petition as baseless. They express disappointment over the postponement but affirm the judge’s readiness to face the committee when the hearing resumes.
The Appointments Committee has referred the matter to Speaker Alban Bagbin for guidance on the next steps. According to Parliament’s Standing Orders, petitions must be investigated within 30 days to determine their merit. The deadline for the investigation is crucial in determining the fate of Justice Ackaah-Boafo’s nomination.
The controversy highlights the delicate balance between safeguarding judicial independence and ensuring accountability in the appointment of Ghana’s highest judicial officers.
The nation awaits Speaker Bagbin’s decision, which will determine the fate of Justice Ackaah-Boafo’s nomination and potentially set a precedent for future vetting processes.
