Ayariga's motion against the vetting of two Supreme Court nominees falls short, vetting ongoing
The Chairperson of Parliament's Appointments Committee, Patricia Appiagyei, has overruled an objection raised by Bawku Central MP Mahama Ayariga today before the vetting of two Supreme Court nominees.
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Mr. Ayariga had challenged President Akufo-Addo's authority to appoint more than nine Justices to the Supreme Court, arguing that such a move violated Article 128 (1) of the 1992 Constitution, which he claimed sets a limit on the number of Justices.
His objection led to a temporary suspension of the vetting process as the Committee debated the issue.
However, after a recess, Chairperson Appiagyei dismissed Mr. Ayariga's objection, ruling that it lacked merit.
She asserted that the interpretation of the Constitution is the exclusive domain of the judiciary, specifically the Supreme Court, and that Parliament must fulfill its constitutional duties without being influenced by individual members' legal opinions.
Ms. Appiagyei mentioned that if Mr. Ayariga strongly believes in his interpretation, the appropriate avenue for resolution would be the Supreme Court, not the parliamentary committee.
In a reaction to the ruling, the Member of Parliament for the Adaklu Constituency alleged that the ruling was plagiarised from a post made by a journalist on Facebook earlier.
After more arguments, Mr. Ayariga's motion was finally put to a vote which resulted in seven YES votes and seven NO votes. "In view of that, the motion is lost. On that basis, we are proceeding with the vetting," Mrs Appiagyei said.
