The Supreme Court has dismissed an application for an injunction against approving President Akufo-Addo’s new ministerial appointees.
The application, filed by South Dayi legislator Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, was deemed frivolous and an abuse of court processes by the apex court.
There were interesting twists today as the Supreme Court presided over the application filed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament, as the fate of newly nominated ministers and reshuffled ministers appointed by President Akufo-Addo hung in the balance.
This was the application based on which the Speaker of Parliament decided to hold off on okaying the new appointees after their vetting.
In his lawsuit against the Speaker of Parliament (1st defendant) and the Attorney General (2nd defendant), Dafeamekpor argued that the President should have sought parliamentary approval before reassigning ministers whose appointments were revoked.
President Akufo-Addo's reshuffle on February 14, 2024, saw 13 ministers and 10 deputy ministers relieved of their posts, while 6 were reassigned to various portfolios.
- Read more: Parliament suspends approval of Akufo-Addo’s new ministers, deputies amid row over anti-gay bill
There was drama in court today as the applicant Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor and his lawyers were absent.
At a point, the case was stood down for the court to verify some facts of the case, particularly regarding whether the bailiff served the parties, especially the Plaintiff, Mr Dafeamekpor, with a hearing notice.
The Attorney General criticised the conduct of the MP's lawyer, describing it as the highest form of disrespect to the apex court and as professional misconduct.
Despite the absence of Mr Dafeamekpor and his lawyer, the court proceeded with the case, which took an interesting turn as the lawyer for the NDC legislator refused to accept court documents to be served on him, including a hearing notice.
The lawyers for the Speaker of Parliament opposed the injunction application, arguing that it did not satisfy the requirements for an injunction to be granted.
Ultimately, the case was thrown out by the Supreme Court.
The five judges presiding over the case were Justice Kingsley Koomson, Justice Mariama Owusu, Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo (Presiding), Justice Amadu Tanko, and Justice Yaw Darko Asare.
In the end, despite the absence of Mr Dafeamekpor's lawyers, the Supreme Court ruled against the injunction application.
Latest Stories
-
Bawumia’s 8 minutes elite ball that zapped the energy of trigger happy politicians
34 minutes -
It will be a betrayal if National Cathedral saga does not feature in ORAL’s work – Ablakwa
44 minutes -
‘It’s unfortunate we had to protect the public purse from Akufo-Addo’ – Ablakwa on ORAL Team’s mission
1 hour -
Congo lawyers say Apple’s supply chain statement must be verified
2 hours -
Stampede in southwestern Nigerian city causes multiple deaths
2 hours -
Tens of thousands without water in Mayotte as curfew brought in
2 hours -
ORAL: We won’t witch-hunt, we’ll focus on transparency, not revenge – Ablakwa
3 hours -
Attempted robbery: Accused claims he carried cutlass for protection
3 hours -
Excavator operator jailed for stealing
3 hours -
African fans age-shame me for putting on some outfits – Tiwa Savage
4 hours -
Tiwa Savage criticised by female fans for stance on cheating in relationships
4 hours -
Bank of England expected to hold interest rates
4 hours -
Congo river boat sinks killing at least 22
4 hours -
Nigeria approves Shell’s $2.4 billion asset sale to Renaissance
4 hours -
Embattled Liberian speaker questioned by police over parliament fire
5 hours