Legal expert Martin Kpebu has criticized the timing and procedural aspects of the proposal to appoint new Supreme Court justices, describing it as untimely amidst upcoming elections.

Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaba Torkonoo recommended five justices in a May 30, 2024 letter to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo: Justice Angelina Mensah Homiah, Justice Eric Kyei Baffour, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, Justice Cyra Pamela C.A. Koranteng, and Justice Afia Asare Botwe.

Speaking on TV3’s “Key Points” program, Kpebu emphasized that while the nominees were competent, the timing was inappropriate, suggesting such appointments should await the new president after the 2024 elections.

He criticized the Chief Justice for not following due process, noting the requirement for a recommendation from the Judicial Council.

“The nominees are not bad, it is the timing that is bad. These are fine justices, but it is about procedure and timing, this debate is not about competence at all.”

Nelson Dafeamekpor, also a legal practitioner and MP for South Dayi, accused the Chief Justice of overstepping her powers and argued against the need for additional justices, citing the current 15 justices on the Supreme Court.

He criticized the practice of assigning Supreme Court judges to lower courts, suggesting it added unnecessary workload.

“We have 123 High Court judges, we have 32 Court of Appeal judges….Yet, you are bringing Supreme Court judges to high court matters and yet you are complaining that you are inundated with work at the uppermost level.

“So, keep Supreme Court judges at the supreme level, don’t bring them two floors lower,” he stressed.

Senior Advisor to Alan Kyerematen, Nana Ohene Ntow, proposed establishing specialized courts with limited jurisdiction to handle specific cases, aiming to alleviate the Supreme Court’s workload and streamline judicial processes.