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General News of Monday, 8 July 2024

Source: starrfm.com.gh

Majority backs Chief Justice for five additional Justices to Supreme Court

Majority Leader in Parliament and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin Majority Leader in Parliament and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin

The Majority in Parliament has jumped to the defense of Chief Justice, Mrs. Gertrude Araba Torkorno over her request for appointment of 5 additional justices to the Supreme Court (SC).

In a letter to President Akufo-Addo, the CJ cited the huge workload of the Apex Court of the land for her request.

Some legal brains have questioned the constitutionality of the move by the Chief Justice with the opposition NDC accusing the president of packing the court.

But addressing the media, Majority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin argued the Chief Justice has not breached any law in her recommendation.

The Effutu MP further justified the need for additional justices rubbishing the claims of the opposition NDC of timing.

"As a Majority caucus in Parliament, these matters have come to our attention and we feel there is a compelling need to state our position on the matters that are in the public domain."

“We have become aware that the Chief Justice has noted a proposal to expand the Supreme Court to 20 Judges for efficiency and effectiveness.

“Some people are saying that the Chief Justice does not have such a mandate to do so. We disagree and we say that per Articles 1,2 4, and 5 of the Constitution, there are some inherent powers provided for in this provision that allow the Chief Justice as the Chief Executive and Head of the Judiciary to make such proposals,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin stated.