Asset declaration: The President sanctioning appointees for noncompliance not usurping any powers – Hafisata Amaleboba

Supreme Court nominee, Justice Hafisata Amaleboba, has defended the President’s authority to penalise appointees who fail to comply with asset declaration requirements, stating that it does not amount to a constitutional overreach.

Responding to questions from the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Wednesday, June 18, Justice Amaleboba said, “I don't think there's a usurpation of powers when the President imposes sanctions against his appointees for non-compliance with directives.”

Pressed further by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin on whether it was constitutional for the President to impose salary fines in such cases, she stood firm, reiterating: “My position remains the same.”

On the persistent delays in the judicial process, Justice Amaleboba attributed the problem largely to a shortage of judges and cumbersome court procedures.

“Lack of manpower or enough judges is to blame for delays in cases. The processes and procedures are a factor too. Also, the timelines may have to be looked at,” she stated.

She noted that implementing strict case timelines must also factor in the heavy caseload many judges face. “If we have to indicate timelines for cases, then we have to also look at the number of cases handled by each judge.”

On the topic of access to justice, Justice Amaleboba called on the Ghana Bar Association to promote legal aid by encouraging lawyers to offer pro bono services to support those who cannot afford representation.