On Friday, June 20, during the Appointments Committee vetting session, Alexander Afenyo-Markin—the Minority Leader and MP for Effutu – strongly rebuked a filed petition opposing the nomination of Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah‑Boafo. He described the petition as baseless and cautioned that endorsing such tactics could threaten the integrity of Ghana’s democratic institutions.
Afenyo‑Markin criticized the growing trend of launching unfounded allegations to tarnish credible professionals, stating, “we need to veer off from trivialities and situations where we subject people’s reputation to undue public ridicule,” echoing sentiments shared by the committee
The petition, submitted by a self-styled human‑rights activist Anthony Kwabenya Rau, accused Justice Ackaah‑Boafo of judicial misconduct and bias, citing a 2019 DVLA case. Rau claimed the justice had demeaned him, calling him a ‘so‑called “Messiah” international Human Rights Activist’ and portrayed the judge as arrogant, prejudiced, and tolerant of corruption – warning his appointment could “be a disaster at the Supreme Court”
However, the committee officially rejected the petition, underscoring that it was “frivolous, vexatious, and a complete abuse of process,” citing Article 127(3) of the 1992 Constitution, which safeguards judges from legal action over their judicial acts
Backing the decision, Afenyo‑Markin said, “I am happy that this committee has boldly stood up for democracy and the rule of law in helping deal with matters as frivolous as what came before us.”
He also flagged possible longer‑term dangers in legitimizing weak petitions. Drawing parallels to ongoing proceedings against the Chief Justice, he noted how unsubstantiated claims have led to suspension: citing Daniel Ofori and Yakubu Akolgo Ayanga’s petitions, which alleged judicial misconduct by the Chief Justice – considered sufficient for instigating investigations
Afenyo‑Markin warned that replicating such approaches risks destabilizing democracy and weakening constitutional institutions, adding that he was pleased the committee “stood firm to the test and we have risen above pettiness and trivialities.”
In response to criticism over the minority’s role during the vetting, Afenyo‑Markin urged the public to view their actions through the lens of constitutional duty, not personal vendettas. “We are here to deal with the law and issues of public policy, [and] good governance,” he said
Delegate summary: Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo‑Markin condemned a petition against Justice Ackaah‑Boafo as baseless and harmful, aligning with the committee’s dismissal. He cautioned that normalizing such petitions could endanger judicial and democratic integrity, especially in light of similar claims affecting the Chief Justice. Afenyo‑Markin emphasized the minority’s commitment to due process and good governance.
