Supreme Court dismisses Dafeamekpor’s application against approval of new ministers

The Supreme Court has dismissed the application filed by South Dayi MP Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, seeking to restrain Parliament from approving new ministers.

It will be recalled that Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, halted consideration for ministers and deputy ministers of state nominated by President Akufo-Addo, citing an interlocutory injunction filed at the Supreme Court by Rockson Dafeamekpor.

The South Dayi legislator wanted the apex court to declare unconstitutional the president’s authority to appoint ministers and deputy ministers without parliamentary approval.

However, a five-member panel presided by the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkonoo, on Wednesday, March 27, dismissed the injunction application on grounds that the application is frivolous and simply an abuse of the court processes.

The apex court ruled that the MP’s case had no direct relevance to the nominees currently before Parliament, as it primarily concerns reassigned Ministers.

“In the circumstances, there is no need to attempt to stay the hands of Parliament regarding the vetting of the newly nominated ministers designate.

“There is no need to pray this court for an order regarding the newly nominated ministers whose names have been submitted to Parliament for vetting,” the court ruled.

The applicant Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor and his lawyers were absent from Wednesday’s court proceedings.

The other panel members include Justice Kingsley Koomson, Justice Mariama Owusu, Justice Amadu Tanko, and Justice Yaw Darko Asare.