Justice Hafisata Amaleboba imposes academic requirements for MPs

Supreme Court nominee, Justice Hafisata Amaleboba, has defended the non-requirement of a university degree for Members of Parliament (MPs), insisting that their role as representatives of the people should not be tied to university education.

She made these remarks on Wednesday, June 18, during her vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee, in response to a question posed by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

Citing a recent survey conducted by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), Afenyo-Markin noted that 67% of Ghanaians believe MPs should have at least a university degree, raising concerns about the apparent disparity in qualification standards between MPs and judges.

“In light of public sentiment, how do we reconcile this strong belief with the Constitution’s silence on educational qualifications for MPs especially when judges are subject to strict legal and professional requirements?” the Minority Leader asked.

In her response, Justice Amaleboba emphasised the distinct nature of both roles.

“A judge is professionally trained in the law and must be able to interpret and apply it. That is why legal qualifications are essential,” she explained.

“But MPs are representatives of the people. If the people believe someone is competent to speak and act on their behalf, then that should be enough,” she explained.

She argued that imposing academic requirements for MPs would undermine the democratic principle that allows constituents to choose leaders who best represent their interests, regardless of formal education.

“I don’t think there is a reason to insist that every MP must have a university degree because primarily, they are representatives of their people,” she added.

Justice Amaleboba’s position aligns with the current constitutional framework, which places no educational barrier on those seeking to contest parliamentary seats.

AS/VPO

Meanwhile, watch as victims of the June 3 disaster decry 10 years of neglect by the state: