Supreme Court nominee Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei has rejected suggestions that the Chief Justice can assume presidential powers in the event of a power vacuum.

Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, June 16, 2025, Justice Adjei argued that the 1992 Constitution does not support the inclusion of the Chief Justice in the presidential line of succession.

He described past legal opinions on the matter as “old” and no longer applicable under Ghana’s current constitutional framework.

“You cannot compare that system to the 1992 Constitution. There is no provision in our Constitution that allows the Chief Justice to act as President,” he said.

Justice Adjei further argued that such interpretations erode the principle of separation of powers and compromise the judiciary’s independence.

“Why should a judge or Chief Justice, whose role is to resolve disputes, be given executive responsibilities? That would create a conflict of interest and undermine the principle of judicial neutrality,” he stated.

He also expressed concern over rigid legal interpretations that require the President’s physical presence in Ghana to perform executive functions.

“The Constitution must be interpreted with purpose. The realities of today are not the same as they were 30 years ago,” he noted.

“If the President can issue instructions and govern remotely, then absence should not automatically mean inability,” he added.



JKB/MA

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