Supreme Court Nominee Justice Suurbaareh Rejects Calls to Cap Number of Apex Court Judges
Accra, June 16, 2025 — Supreme Court nominee Justice Suurbaareh has firmly rejected proposals to impose a numerical cap on the number of justices serving on Ghana’s highest court, warning that such a limitation could undermine the judiciary’s capacity to deliver timely justice.
Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, Justice Suurbaareh defended the current open-ended system, which allows the President, acting in consultation with the Judicial Council and the Council of State, to appoint justices as necessary.
“I do not think that the Supreme Court should be capped,” he stated. “If you look at the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and the workload it carries, capping it would not be helpful.”
Justification: Growing Caseloads Require Flexibility
Justice Suurbaareh explained that the expanding jurisdiction and increasing caseload of the Supreme Court make a fixed number of judges impractical. He stressed that flexibility is key to maintaining the Court’s operational efficiency and ensuring prompt resolution of cases.
“The open-ended structure gives the appointing authority the power to appoint as many Supreme Court judges as are needed at any point in time,” he added.
Judicious Use of Appointment Powers
While defending the flexibility in appointments, Justice Suurbaareh acknowledged concerns about potential executive overreach. He expressed confidence that future appointments would be made with restraint and in good faith.
“I believe the appointing authority will use that power reasonably and not arbitrarily appoint 20, 30 or 100 judges to the Court,” he noted.
Ongoing Judicial Reform Debate
Justice Suurbaareh’s remarks enter the wider national conversation about judicial independence and reform, with many Ghanaians raising concerns over executive influence in judicial appointments and the need for transparency and accountability in the judiciary.
The proposal to cap the number of Supreme Court justices is seen by some reform advocates as a way to limit political manipulation, while others, like Justice Suurbaareh, argue that it would stifle flexibility and risk clogging the justice system.
If confirmed, Justice Suurbaareh is expected to bring a measured and pragmatic voice to the bench, advocating for judicial efficiency while respecting constitutional discretion.
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