Justice Afreh Goes Through Vetting and....

The National Democratic Congress-NDC parliamentary caucus on Monday stuck to their decision, and boycotted the vetting of Justice Kwame Afreh, who has been nominated to the Supreme Court.

Minority leader Alban Bagbin expressed his side's inability to take part in the proceedings. He told the nominee that they are unable to vet him because of the circumstances surrounding his appointment, and not because they doubt his competence.

The NDC had described Justice Afreh's nomination as ill timed, immoral and an attempt by government to get a favourable ruling in the review of the ruling on the unconstitutionality of the fast track high courts.

The committee nonetheless continued with the process, with members asking the nominee questions about his views on Supreme Court rulings and the justice system as a whole. Justice Afreh however declined to answer questions on the fast track court system.

The appointments committee's report will be presented to the house for approval before parliament rises later on Monday.

.....Gets The Nod

Parliament has approved the nomination of Justice Afreh as a Supreme Court judge. This is inspite of the NDC minority's boycott of the entire process describing the nomination as inappropriate. The minority was unhappy that Justice Afreh's nomination to the Supreme Court came at a time when government is seeking a review of the court's ruling that fast track courts are illegal.

But all the majority NPP members were present in Parliament and secured the 100 votes needed, to approve Justice Afreh's nomination.

Members of minority who believe the timing of justice Afreh's nomination is inappropriate have boycotted the entire process.

In a brief statement before the vetting, Minority Leader, Alban Bagbin, explained that the MPs on his side are unhappy that Justice Afreh has been nominated to the Supreme Court at a time when government is seeking a review of the court's ruling that Fast Track courts are unconstitutional.

But he congratulated the nominee acknowledging that Justice Afreh is qualified to be on the Supreme Court. Answering questions, Justice Afreh told the committee that his nomination to the Supreme Court should not be seen as an attempt by government to swell up the Supreme Court, saying that he is more than qualified to be on the bench.

Most of the Members of Parliament agreed, nodding their heads, especially when Justice Afreh said that he had been a teacher to a lot of lawyers in the country and the Justices at the Supreme Court, except the Chief Justice. He also answered questions on issues like the independence of the judiciary, alternative dispute resolution and continuing legal education.

The committee members are now presenting their report, which will be laid before the whole House later in the day for approval. From all indications, Justice Afreh is on his way to the Supreme Court, with some controversy nonetheless.