The Minority in Parliament says it will not take part in the scheduled vetting of the Chief Justice nominee on December 21, 2019.
A statement from the Minority leader, Haruna Iddrisu accused the Chairman of the Appointment’s Committee and First Deputy Speaker, Joseph Osei Owusu of unilaterally setting the date, against standard practice.
Mr.Iddrisu said their side of the divide has nothing against the nominee Justice Anin-Yeboah, but they would insist on the “principle of a strong, independent and diligent Parliament devoid of rubber stamp tendencies.”
Explaining their position, the Tamale South MP said the date set for the vetting is too short and does not give the public enough time to submit memoranda on the nominee.
The statement added that Minority MPs at a meeting of the Committee suggested January 8 and 9, 2020 for vetting the nominee but deliberations at the said meeting was inconclusive.
The statement said the Minority is therefore surprised by the announcement that a date has been set, even after the Speaker of the House said he was not opposed to extending sitting even on Christmas day.
They say they would therefore not take part in the vetting process but are open to consultations on the issue.
They have meanwhile, proposed any day from 23rd, 27th or 30th December, 2019. Justice Anin-Yeboah was nominated by President Nana Akufo-Addo to replace Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo who retires on December 20.
