Ghana Parliament emergency session and legislative disputes

The Parliament of Ghana convened for a five-day emergency session from August 24 to August 28, 2026, following a request from President John Dramani Mahama to expedite legislative business and the vetting of several nominees. By the third day of the sitting, a procedural standoff emerged within the Appointments Committee regarding the vetting of three Supreme Court nominees: Justice Sophia Bernasko-Essah, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, and Anthony Forson Jr. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin argued that the process was being rushed unnecessarily, noting that the Supreme Court is currently at full capacity and that an expedited timeline could “undermine the legitimacy of the judicial appointments.” While the Minority opposed the judicial vetting, they indicated support for the prompt vetting of ministerial nominees Mahama Ayariga and Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings. Bernard Ahiafor, Chairman of the Appointments Committee, dismissed these objections, stating the committee cannot selectively vet ministerial candidates while excluding judicial ones because the recall specifically included all five individuals. On August 26, the Minority officially boycotted the vetting of the Supreme Court nominees, maintaining that the accelerated timetable prevented sufficient public scrutiny. Despite this walkout, the Appointments Committee proceeded. During the proceedings, nominee Anthony Forson Jnr opposed proposals to cap the number of Supreme Court justices, arguing a rigid limit would be “unconstitutional and impractical.” Justice Bernasko-Essah also noted the court should have the authority to depart from previous decisions to correct errors. Ultimately, the nominees were recommended for approval, despite Chairman Ahiafor dismissing the Minority's objections as “flimsy” and “baseless.” Following the contentious vetting process, Parliament officially approved the three nominees: Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, and Anthony Forson Jnr. During the sessions, Afenyo-Markin accused the governing National Democratic Congress of double standards, alleging the expansion contradicts previous party stances against “packing” the judiciary.