‘I’m sorry’ – Supreme Court judge apologizes for endorsing Akufo-Addo

A Supreme Court nominee, Justice Clemence Jackson Honyenugah, has apologised for endorsing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Justice Honyenugah, who doubles as the Paramount Chief of the Nyagbo Traditional Area, earlier this year, endorsed the administration of President Akufo-Addo in his welcome address to President Akufo-Addo at a durbar of chiefs and people of the Afajato South District.

“With the vision of the President and the gains made in his first term, Ghanaians may consider giving him another four years, ” he was quoted as saying.

The comments attracted the displeasure of the Minority in Parliament who accused him of violating the constitutional provision that barred chiefs from engaging in partisan politics.

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When he appeared before the Appointment Committee on Monday, the  Minority members on the committee took up the issue again. Justice Hornyenugah tried to deflect the questions on the matter, but he later buckled under pressure.

The Supreme Court nominee insisted his endorsement was not a  personal one, as he only read the speech on behalf of the chiefs and people of the Traditional Area, urging the President to bring more developmental projects to the district.

“In reading that statement, we didn’t intend in endorsing the president, our understanding was that we were wishing him well…this is what has been happening in this country for a very long time…on my part, if out of political dissatisfaction some people are unhappy with whatever I am supposed to have said, then I am sorry,” Justice Honyenuga said.