Akosua Manu, an Advisor on Gender and Social Protection to former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has raised concerns about the nomination and parliamentary vetting of Supreme Court nominee, Justice Anthony Forson Jnr.
According to her, the vetting process should have given Justice Forson the opportunity to respond directly to an allegation of rape reportedly made against him by lawyer Kukua Andam.
During her interview on Saturday, August 29, Akosua Manu said the allegation was serious and should have been addressed during the vetting, especially because Justice Forson is being considered for a senior position in the judiciary.
She argued that Kukua Andam should also have been invited to appear before the committee so that the matter could be properly examined and Justice Forson given the opportunity to respond.
“Justice Forson has an allegation of rape against him by one Kukua Andam. She is a lawyer who questioned his integrity. Kukua Andam should have been brought into the vetting.
“He [Justice Forson] is going for a vetting and one of the allegations against him is rape and it was important for him to clear the air on that issue especially because of the position he is going to occupy. Otherwise, we downplay issues affecting women.
“It even signals negatively to victims of sexual misconduct. It would have been good for him to clear the air on what went on between him and the accuser.”
Akosua Manu stressed that allegations of sexual misconduct should be taken seriously, regardless of who is involved or the position they are being considered for.
She said this was even more important when a person was being considered for a position that requires a high level of public trust, confidence and integrity.
Justice Forson was one of three Supreme Court nominees who appeared before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for vetting on Thursday, August 27.
