Minority had valid reasons to seek more scrutiny of Supreme Court nominees, Awal Mohammed argues
Awal Mohammed stated that the Minority had a valid reason to demand greater scrutiny of three Supreme Court nominees during their vetting. He emphasized that the key issue was whether the nominees deserved adequate scrutiny, not merely the Minority's walkout from the Appointments Committee. The walkout, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, occurred on August 27 during the vetting of Justice Sophia Rosetta Oduokuwa Bernasko Essah, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, and Anthony Forson Jnr. The Minority protested the timing, arguing that vetting nominees only three days after their nominations were referred to Parliament breached Standing Orders and the established practice of allowing 14 days for public scrutiny. Awal highlighted that concerns about judicial nominees should be taken seriously, especially given past instances where questions about the conduct of individuals in judicial positions have arisen. He cited Justice Chokonu as an example, noting that a petition for her removal involved a judgment she had delivered. Awal concluded that the Minority's stance aimed to create an opportunity for questions and scrutiny, allowing the public to understand issues surrounding the nominees before parliamentary approval.
