The Parliamentary Appointments Committee has officially dismissed a petition challenging the nomination of Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo to Ghana's Supreme Court. This decision, delivered on Friday, June 20, was anchored in the constitutional protection provided to judicial officers.
Describing the petition as βfrivolous, vexatious, and a complete abuse of process,β Committee Chairman Bernard Ahiafor clarified that the grounds for dismissal were rooted in Article 127(3) of the 1992 Constitution. This provision shields judges from legal action for acts performed in the course of their judicial duties.
The petition, filed by activist Anthony Kwabenya Rau, criticized Justice Ackaah-Boafoβs handling of a 2019 case involving the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA). However, Chairman Ahiafor emphasized that judicial officers cannot be held personally liable for decisions made while executing their legal responsibilities.
Quoting the constitution directly, Ahiafor explained: βA justice of the Superior Court or any other person exercising judicial power shall not be liable to any action or suit for any act or omission by him in the exercise of the judicial power.β This clause underscores the importance of judicial independence and shields justices from undue interference.
Based on this legal foundation, the Committee concluded that the petition lacked substance, both legally and factually. They asserted that it was an unwarranted attack on the integrity of the judicial process and had no merit worthy of consideration.
In a firm ruling, the Committee stated, βThe petition is frivolous, vexatious, worthless, and unmeritorious. It is baseless in law and factβa complete abuse of process.β
This outcome clears the path for Justice Ackaah-Boafo's vetting to proceed without obstruction. It also reaffirms Parliament's commitment to upholding judicial independence and respecting constitutional boundaries.
While public petitions remain a vital part of democratic participation, this ruling serves as a reminder that such submissions must be grounded in solid legal reasoning and respect for constitutional safeguards.
Justice Ackaah-Boafo now awaits formal approval following his vetting, which is expected to proceed without further complications.
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