Sammy Gyamfi, the acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, has launched a scathing attack on the New Patriotic Party (NPP), accusing them of blatant hypocrisy over their criticism of President John Dramani Mahama’s recent judicial appointments. Gyamfi specifically highlighted the NPP’s condemnation of Justice Senyo Dzamefe’s elevation to the Supreme Court, describing it as “nauseating” and “politically dishonest”. He pointed out that the NPP had previously supported similar appointments made by former President Akufo-Addo, including Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu, a former NPP parliamentary candidate, who was elevated to the Supreme Court in under three years.
Gyamfi emphasized that Justice Senyo Dzamefe has had a lengthy and accomplished judicial career, serving as a State Attorney, member of the Regional Tribunal, Circuit Court Judge, High Court Judge, and Court of Appeal Judge. He questioned the NPP’s motives for criticizing President Mahama’s appointments, suggesting that they are driven by cheap political gains rather than a genuine concern for the judiciary.
Gyamfi also drew attention to the NPP’s past celebration of President Akufo-Addo’s appointment of over 18 justices to the Supreme Court, which the NDC had criticized as court-packing. He argued that the NPP is now seeking to vilify President Mahama for appointing just seven judges, despite their previous stance. Gyamfi asserted that President Mahama’s decisions are not driven by political maneuvering but rather by a principled effort to rectify past discrimination and exclusion within the judicial system.
Sammy Gyamfi highlighted the swift elevation of Justice Gaewu to the Supreme Court by President Akufo-Addo, despite his relatively short tenure as a High Court judge. Gaewu was appointed as a High Court judge in 2020 and elevated to the Supreme Court in under three years.Heemphasized Justice Dzamefe’s extensive experience and qualifications, questioning the NPP’s criticism of his appointment to the Supreme Court.
Also he accused the NPP of hypocrisy, pointing out their support for President Akufo-Addo’s appointments while criticizing President Mahama’s similar decisions.
The controversy surrounding President Mahama’s judicial appointments has sparked a heated debate about the role of politics in the judiciary. Gyamfi’s comments suggest that the NPP’s criticism is driven by political opportunism rather than a genuine concern for the judiciary’s integrity. The outcome of this debate will likely have significant implications for Ghana’s judicial system and the country’s political landscape.
Story by: Ohemaa Adusi-Poku
