Petition Against Justice Ackaah-Boafo Stalls Supreme Court Vetting in Parliament

The vetting of Court of Appeal Judge Justice Kweku T. Ackaah-Boafo for a seat on Ghana’s Supreme Court has been indefinitely suspended following the submission of a last-minute petition alleging judicial misconduct.

The development, which has disrupted what is typically a structured and predictable process in Parliament, stems from a petition filed by Anthony Kwabenya Rau, a self-described international human rights activist. Rau accuses the nominee of extreme bias and misconduct during previous court proceedings, particularly in a case linked to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).

According to the petition, Justice Ackaah-Boafo allegedly insulted Mr. Rau during a hearing, referring to him as a “so-called ‘Messiah’ international Human Rights Activist” and questioning his right to appear before Ghanaian courts. The petitioner also claims that the judge’s written judgment contained personal attacks, which he interprets as signs of bias and lack of judicial impartiality.

The petition was immediately referred to Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin for consideration, in accordance with Standing Order 99, which requires Parliament to examine such complaints within 30 days to determine their merit and whether they are frivolous or vexatious.

More controversially, the petition also questions Justice Ackaah-Boafo’s cultural alignment, citing his Canadian background and alleged disregard for Ghanaian customs and elders. It further accuses him of being “arrogant, biased, power-drunk,” and sympathetic to corruption—allegations that supporters of the judge have strongly rejected as unfounded and character-damaging.

Sources close to Justice Ackaah-Boafo have expressed disappointment over the delay but say he remains composed and prepared to face the Appointments Committee when the vetting resumes.

This marks a rare instance where a Supreme Court vetting process has been disrupted by a petition of this nature, underscoring both the high stakes involved in judicial appointments and the need for rigorous scrutiny without compromising judicial independence.

The next steps lie with Speaker Bagbin, whose ruling will determine whether the petition warrants a full probe or is dismissed outright—setting a precedent for how future complaints against judicial nominees are handled in Ghana’s Parliament.

For now, Justice Ackaah-Boafo’s nomination to the Supreme Court hangs in the balance.