Audio By Carbonatix
Parliament has approved the controversial Supreme Court vetting report, paving the way for the confirmation of President John Mahama's judicial nominees, despite strong objections from the Minority caucus.
The decision came after a heated debate and a decisive voice vote that saw the Majority carry the day.
Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, mounted a spirited opposition to the report, arguing that the Majority was prioritising "political convenience over constitutional principle."
He warned that the move could set a dangerous precedent for future judicial appointments.
Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, countered these claims, insisting that all seven nominees were thoroughly vetted and found competent to serve on the nation's highest court.
Speaker Alban Bagbin had earlier ruled that the Appointments Committee's report was properly constituted, dismissing the Minority's claims that their inputs were excluded.
Speaker Bagbin stressed that parliamentary procedure allows for Minority concerns to be raised during floor debates.
"You will not be prevented from saying what you want to say. But the report captures the decision of the whole committee."
The session culminated in a voice vote, with the Speaker declaring: "The ayes have it!" before pronouncing the justices duly confirmed.
The ruling clears the path for the new justices to assume their positions on the Supreme Court bench.
The approval follows days of tension after Mr Afenyo-Markin initially blocked the report's presentation, claiming the Minority had not endorsed it.
The Appointments Committee Chairman, Bernard Ahiafor, had revealed that while the Minority's comments were incorporated, last-minute demands could not be accommodated.
Latest Stories
-
Oil rises as US-Iran tension escalates after Iraq strikes, missile attack
46 minutes -
Trump says meetings with Zelensky and Netanyahu were positive
55 minutes -
Pressure mounts on Germany’s Merz after fractious reshuffle
1 hour -
Google rivals line up seeking damages after record $1 billion EU fine
1 hour -
Apple briefly tops $5 trillion market value for first time
1 hour -
Netflix edges BBC as first choice for UK viewers, Ofcom report shows
2 hours -
Idi Amin’s boxer grandson determined to become new King of Scotland
2 hours -
Mysterious deaths of 14 elephants in Kenya prompts urgent inquiry
2 hours -
Cynthia Erivo and Damson Idris among stars in Children of Blood and Bone trailer
2 hours -
Iran launches ‘attempted surprise attack’ on US forces in Middle East
2 hours -
Trump administration bans new Chinese humanoid robots
2 hours -
Pop star Madison Beer and NFL player Justin Herbert announce engagement
4 hours -
‘Don’t wait until you want revenge’ – why prenups are on the rise
4 hours -
Burnham has no scope to increase borrowing, think tank warns
4 hours -
eBay agrees $56m settlement with bloggers over harassment case
4 hours