Appointments Committee changes vetting date for Sophia Akuffo

The Appointments Committee of Parliament has brought forward the public hearing of Justice Sophia Akuffo, the nominee for the position of Chief Justice to Friday, June 16 instead of Monday, June 19, 2017.

According to the Committee there was a vacancy already as former Chief Justice Georgina Wood had already been appointed onto the Council of State
   
Mr Joseph Osei-Owusu, Chairman of the Appointments Committee addressing the media stated that the committee considered a number of factors before deciding to change the date.
   
He said the members of the Committee reached a consensus to abridge the 14-day interval for receiving complaints on nominees, because no petition had been brought against Justice Sophia Akuffo.
   
He said the senior most Supreme Court Judge who was supposed to hold fort after the departure of the former Chief Justice Georgina Wood would be going on retirement soon.   
  
Mr Osei-Owusu, who is also first Deputy Speaker of Parliament stated that when the public hearing for Justice Sophia Akuffo was held on Friday, hopefully, the report should be ready by Monday, June 19, then Justice Sophia Akuffo could assume her role officially by the close of that week.
 
Justice Sophia Akuffo was nominated by President Nana Akufo-Addo to replace retired Georgina Wood, who turned 70, on June 8, 2017.
 
Justice Sophia Akuffo, before she assumes office would have to get the approval of Parliament as per the country’s 1992 constitution.

Source: GNA