President Akufo Addo Sparks Suspicion with Latest Supreme Court Appointment

President Akufo Addo has made three major appointments to the Supreme Court, namely renowned lawyer Yoni Kulendi, Justice Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu and Justice Clemence J. Honyenuga. They were all promoted from the Appeals Court.

However, the new appointments are already raising suspicions as Justice Kolendi and Justice Honyenuga have been perceived as being possibly sympathetic towards the New Patriotic Party (NPP), stoking speculations that the President is packing the top arm of the judiciary with judges that may have a soft spot for him.

While Justice Kolendi had his tutelage under President Akufo Addo when he was a lawyer, Justice Clemence Honyenuga who is the trial judge in the infamous Opuni versus COCOBOD trial was recently called out for appearing to be “campaigning” for President Akufo Addo’s second term bid.

During President Akufo Addo’s recent tour of the newly created Oti Region, Justice Honyenuga who doubles as the Paramount Chief of the Nyagbo Traditional Area of the region, declared his support for the NPP and President Akufo Addo.

Reports by the Daily Graphic quoted him as asking Ghanaians to give the President a second term in office.

“We wish to congratulate you for the excellent manner you are governing this dear country of ours, it is our hope that with your vision and the gains made in your first term, Ghanaians may consider giving you another four years,” he was quoted as saying.

The Opuni case he is presiding over has also often been cited as a “political case”.

Meanwhile, the appointment is subject to parliamentary approval as they replace three justices who are on retirement watch

If approved by Parliament, the three will reportedly replace Justices Julius Ansah, Nasiru Sulemana Gbadegbe and Anthony Alfred Bennin of the Supreme Court.