The Appointments Committee has confirmed that the vetting of the judge will proceed as planned

A controversial petition describing Supreme Court nominee Justice Kweku T Ackaah-Boafo as a “political prostitute” has been thrown out by Parliament, clearing the way for his vetting to proceed before the Appointments Committee on Friday, June 20,2025.

The petition, submitted by Anthony Kwabenya Rau, who identifies as an international human rights activist, accused the Court of Appeal judge of judicial bias, misconduct, and political opportunism.

In his allegations, Rau claimed Justice Ackaah-Boafo was politically compromised, stating, “I see the above said person as a political prostitute judge. After serving me the judgement in November 2019, he was immediately appointed by the NPP government to the Court of Appeal. After giving judgement on Hon. Ato Forson, he is now being promoted by the NDC to the Supreme Court.”

The vetting process, was initially halted after Rau submitted his petition at the eleventh hour, forcing Parliament’s Appointments Committee to pause and refer the complaint to Speaker Alban Bagbin.

However, after review, Parliament found no sufficient grounds to pursue the claims and dismissed the petition as lacking merit.

Among the numerous allegations, Rau accused Justice Ackaah-Boafo of using insulting and inappropriate language during proceedings at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) court.

He claimed the judge belittled him by referring to him as a “so-called ‘Messiah’ international human rights activist” and questioned his authority to represent clients in Ghana.

He further alleged the judge’s written judgement contained personal attacks and described Ackaah-Boafo as “arrogant, biased, power-drunk, an abuser of human rights, and supportive of corruption.”

Rau also questioned the nominee’s cultural alignment, citing his Canadian background and claiming he disrespected Ghanaian traditions, especially regarding age and seniority.

In addition, the petition attempted to link Justice Ackaah-Boafo’s career progression to political favoritism, suggesting that his judicial decisions were rewarded by both the NPP and NDC governments.

Despite the weighty tone of the petition, parliamentary sources close to the vetting process dismissed the claims as unfounded.

The Appointments Committee has confirmed that the vetting will proceed as planned.

Justice Ackaah-Boafo, who has served in various capacities including on the High Court and Court of Appeal benches, is the final nominee put forward by President John Dramani Mahama to be considered for the Supreme Court.

AM/KA

Ever heard of Nkofie, the legendary Kwahu cave believed to grant wishes? Join GhanaWeb's People & Places as we take you on an exclusive tour of this mystical site: