Parliament has approved the nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the new Chief Justice of Ghana, following a heated vetting and debate on the Appointments Committee’s report.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s vetting on Monday, November 10, was marked by a dramatic walkout from Minority Members of Parliament, who rejected his nomination.
The Minority cited ongoing court cases challenging the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo as grounds for their boycott, describing the process as unconstitutional and politically motivated.
Despite their objections, the Majority side proceeded with the approval process. On Thursday, November 13, Parliament adopted the Appointments Committee’s report by majority decision, officially endorsing Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as the next Chief Justice.
Presenting the Committee’s report, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor, said Paul Baffoe-Bonnie had demonstrated exceptional competence and integrity, making him deserving of the position.
The minority, however, rejected the voice vote and demanded a head count which ended with Majority recording 169 members while the Minority recorded 63 members.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, who has served on the Supreme Court since 2008, is one of Ghana’s longest-serving justices and has contributed to several landmark rulings.
His appointment is expected to bring continuity and stability to the judiciary at a time when the nation is navigating key legal and constitutional challenges.
He is expected to be sworn into office by President John Dramani Mahama in the coming days at the Jubilee House.
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