‘CJ requested 5 Judges, what’s the fuss about 7?’ – Justice Abdulai questions

Law lecturer and private legal practitioner, Justice Abdulai, has dismissed criticisms surrounding the nomination of seven new Court of Appeal judges to the Supreme Court, describing the concerns as misplaced and hypocritical.

Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV, on Saturday, May 3, Justice Abdulai argued that neither the timing of the appointments nor the perceived lack of regional or political balance holds merit, especially when the nominations came at the request of the judiciary itself.

“In fact, I do not think that the timing is an issue at all. I do not think that the issue about balancing, or not balancing is an issue at all,” he stated.

He added: “Because it is the same Chief Justice that requested for five anyway. If you requested for five and you are getting seven, should that be an issue? So clearly I think we’re being hypocritical.”

His remarks come amid heated public discourse following President John Dramani Mahama’s nomination of seven judges to the apex court.

While some critics have raised questions about the timing and political implications of the appointments, Abdulai insisted that the focus should remain on judicial efficiency and institutional needs rather than speculation.

The appointments are expected to go before Parliament’s Appointments Committee in the coming weeks for vetting.