BY Daniel Bampoe
In a significant move that could reshape the composition of Ghana’s highest court, President John Mahama has nominated seven Justices from the Court of Appeal for appointment to the Supreme Court.
The nominations, communicated through the Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, were formally submitted to the Judicial Council on April 29, 2025.
The list includes some of the most experienced and respected judges on the bench:
1. Justice Sir Dennis Dominic
2. Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh
3. Justice Senyo Dzamefe
4. Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo
5. Justice Philip Bright Mensah
6. Justice Janapare Bartels-Kodwo
7. Justice Hafisata Amaleboba
The nominations were made in accordance with Article 144(2) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates that the President appoints Supreme Court judges in consultation with the Judicial Council and subject to the advice of the Council of State and approval by Parliament.
The appointments come at a critical juncture for Ghana’s judiciary.
Over the past few years, public confidence in judicial impartiality has faced scrutiny amid political tensions and controversial rulings.
The nomination of seven new Justices — a sizable addition at once — is therefore seen by many observers as a potential reset for the Supreme Court, potentially reshaping the ideological balance of the bench.
Among the nominees, Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei is noted for his work in international human rights law, while Justice Suurbaareh has earned a reputation for integrity in public service litigation.
Justice Dzamefe previously served on the Presidential Commission investigating the Brazil 2014 World Cup scandal, bringing a background in accountability to the bench.
Justice Amaleboba, one of two women nominated, has been lauded for her rulings on gender and family law issues.
The nominees’ curricula vitae were attached to the President’s communication, suggesting the Executive’s desire for swift vetting and confirmation processes.
Parliament is now expected to begin its review, with legal experts and civil society likely to scrutinize the nominees’ past judgments and professional conduct.
This wave of nominations also signals a broader reform effort by the Presidency to inject fresh expertise into the judiciary, especially at a time when major cases involving constitutional interpretation, electoral disputes, and national policy are making their way to the Supreme Court.
It remains to be seen how Parliament’s Appointments Committee will handle the vetting process, especially given the political significance of the Supreme Court in recent national disputes.
