Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has argued that Justice Clemence Honyenuga cannot be disqualified as a Supreme Court Judge on the basis of endorsing the good works of President Akufo-Addo.
The Majority Leader is of the view that the Supreme Court Judge nominee whose approval has been referred to the plenary, committed no wrong in his speech earlier this year which showered praises on the president and sought to endorse his re-election bid.
Hinging his argument on the constitutional requirements for a Supreme Court Judge, the Suame MP, noted that the comment of the nominee does not in any way contradict the provisions of the constitution hence the minority’s argument is floored in that regard.
According to the majority leader, the comment by Justice Honyenuga was in his capacity as a paramount chief speaking on behalf of his traditional council hence whatever he said has no bearing on his job as a judge.
Speaking in an interview with Accra-based, Okay FM on Thursday, May 14, 2020, he further explained that he cannot fathom why the minority in parliament is over-stretching such a minor issue to mean that Justice Honyenuga will do the bidding of President Akufo-Addo when approved as a Supreme Court judge.
“Considering what he said, the chief noted that they may consider voting for him. He did not say they will. The word is may. When he says this, does it make him a member of NPP? Even if somebody votes for NPP or NDC, is it a disqualifier? I don’t think such arguments should even be entertained,” the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs expressed.
He added that “he has even apologised for his comment which he added that he was speaking on behalf of his people.”
Source: abcnewsgh
