Mahama Ayariga, an MP for Bawku Central, has highlighted the importance of the decision’s specifics on Gyakye Quayson’s case being made public, as soon as possible.

According to Ayariga, in order for the Minority Caucus and the general public to comprehend the reasoning and justification of the Supreme Court’s decision ordering Parliament to erase Quayson’s name from its records, this demand is essential.

Although Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, the president’s choice for Chief Justice, “did a very brilliant job before the Appointments Committee, and she was impressive and looking at her CV, she has the administrative abilities to lead the justice system,” Mr. Ayariga stated in an interview that it is crucial for the ruling in the Gyakye Quayson case to be made available to the Appointments Committee in order to improve the reputation of the judiciary.

“We were very impressed with her CV and her background…but we were also looking at the way that the judiciary had been managed in contemptuous political matters, and we wanted to make that point…we will want to know her philosophy and the kind of argument that she will give to justify the decision taken to kick one of us out of Parliament so that it will enable us to move forward, and so we are not deferring her approval.”
Mahama Ayatiga

He also underlined the importance of knowing the rationale behind a unanimous decision and the need for the court to publicly comment on verdicts in order to uphold its reputation.

As a result, the Minority Caucus members have chosen to postpone voting on Torkornoo’s approval, until they have Gyakye Quayson’s verdict by June 7.

Minority Caucus On A Dangerous Path

The minority members of the Appointments Committee of Parliament’s position to not vote on the nominee for chief justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, has been criticized by the Majority chief whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, as being risky and shaky.

He urged them to change their mind.

“My colleagues are on another dangerous & slippery path… Reconsider your ‘unfortunate’ position after a good reflection.” he tweeted.

The opposition MPs decided not to take a decision on Madam Torkornoo until the Supreme Court gives the reasons for ordering Parliament to delete the name of the Assin North Member of Parliament James Gyakye Quayson from the record of Parliament.

In a statement, the Minority said they did not vote on the President’s nominee for the position of Chief Justice “due to the unavailability of the reasoned judgment of the Supreme Court in the matter of Hon. James Gyakye Quayson”

“It is important to state that the Appointments Committee not long ago in 2019 vetted and approved this same nominee as a Justice of the Supreme Court. However, it was imperative for Members of The Minority on the Committee to evaluate the decisions of the nominee on all other cases, including the James Gyakye Quayson case since the vetting in 2019.
“We successfully evaluated the nominee on all relevant criteria, except the outstanding matter of James Gyakye Quayson, which would enable us to come to a decision. We expect the reasoned Judgement of the court on this matter by 7 June, 2023 to finalise our decision. We have duly communicated our challenge to our colleagues on the Majority side and expect their cooperation.”
Minority Caucus