Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has declared he would not be intimidated by fears of judicial backlash that would gag him from probing Supreme Court nominees on pertinent matters.
In a resolute defense of his role during the vetting of Supreme Court nominees on Friday, June 20, he insisted that his job is to serve the public interest, not to please the bench.
Addressing concerns from critics whom the Minority leader claims have told him he has been too rigorous in his questioning of judicial nominees, Afenyo-Markin stated: “We are not here to get personal. We are here to deal with the law and issues of public policy and good governance.”
He rejected the notion that his tough stance during vetting could lead to personal consequences should he appear before the very judges being scrutinized.
He declared, “If a judge believes that he should rule against me because I did my work, so be it. I’ve never been afraid to practice at the Supreme Court. From 2013 to 2016, I was a regular visitor to that court in opposition, and any ruling against me never deterred me.”
The Minority Leader emphasized that his approach stems from a deep respect for the legal process and the democratic responsibilities of Parliament.
He vowed to do his job and do so out of great defence and out of great respect, adding, “We are not here to attack anybody’s person.”
He urged the public to understand the Minority’s role in enriching Ghana’s democracy, stressing that his job on the Appointments Committee is to enhance democracy, and that is exactly what he is doing.
He urged Ghanaians not to get irritated but to bear with the Committee.
