Supreme Court nominee Anthony Forson Jnr has vehemently rejected proposals to limit the number of Justices serving on Ghana’s apex court, a move that has ignited controversy within the judiciary and political circles. The nominee, who was presented with extensive constitutional review discussions during a vetting process, articulated a staunch opposition to any cap on the court’s membership, arguing that such a measure would be premature and fraught with potential challenges. Mr. Forson, speaking Thursday, August 27, 2026, before Parliament’s Appointments Committee, asserted that any attempt to restrict the number of Justices should be preceded by a thorough evaluation of the Supreme Court’s expansive constitutional jurisdiction.
In his remarks, Mr. Forson emphasized that the Supreme Court’s broad responsibilities, outlined in the Constitution, necessitate a significant judicial body. He stated, “I’m one of the advocates of no capping, because of my experience and the kind of seminars that I have been to,” highlighting his stance against any immediate restriction. The discussion during the constitutional review process in Parliament, spearheaded by Justice Jones Victor Dotse, raised concerns about imposing a ceiling on the court’s membership, with Dotse expressing anxieties that reducing the number of Justices while retaining the court’s jurisdiction would exacerbate existing pressures on the judiciary. Dotse’s concerns centered on the potential for increased workload and a diminished ability to efficiently adjudicate cases.
Mr. Forson countered these concerns, maintaining that Ghana must first consider reducing the Supreme Court’s constitutional jurisdiction before any meaningful discussion regarding limiting its membership could be held. He asserted that, “Unless, as a country, we decide to reduce the jurisdictions which have been allocated to the Supreme Court for now, there should be no cap,” further emphasizing the importance of maintaining a robust judicial system. The nomination has also sparked a minority boycott of the vetting process of three Supreme Court nominees, with a significant portion of the opposition, led by Ahiafor, condemning the process as ‘flimsy, hollow and baseless.’
In a separate development, the Supreme Court has issued a statement acknowledging the nominee’s position, stating that it is committed to upholding the Constitution and the principles of the judiciary. The statement further details that the court’s existing composition has faced challenges in effectively handling its increased caseload, underscoring the rationale behind the current structure of the judiciary. The situation remains a significant point of contention within Ghana’s legal landscape, with the Supreme Court’s decision on the matter potentially impacting the court’s operational capacity and public perception of its authority. Further details on the impact of this decision are expected to emerge as the Supreme Court prepares for its next scheduled hearing.”
[Video transcript available at: https://www.adomonline.com/news/supreme-court-nominee-anthony-forson-rejects-cap-on-justices/](https://www.adomonline.com/news/supreme-court-nominee-anthony-forson-rejects-cap-on-justices/)
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Source: Adom Online
