Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has defended his nomination as Chief Justice by President John Mahama, rejecting claims that it is a political reward for his role during the 2013 election petition. Speaking during his vetting on Thursday, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie said, “I wouldn’t know what goes on in the president’s mind since I’m not there. But I actually will be disappointed if my only qualification for the chief justice nomination is that I voted for the president in 2013. That is on a lighter note, but I think I qualify for the position.” The nominee highlighted his extensive experience on the Supreme Court, where he has served for 17 years. “To say I am the best qualified person in the Supreme Court… now I will say that. The person who I served nearest to me has been there for 10 years… The next person came there in 2005… others are from 2019 and 2020. So, I think I qualify for the position,” he stated. Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination has attracted public attention, with some observers questioning whether political considerations influenced the president’s decision. The vetting by Parliament seeks to assess his qualifications, judicial experience, and suitability to lead the country’s judiciary. If confirmed, he will succeed former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, who was recently removed from office. Spread the love

The vetting process for Ghana’s next Chief Justice descended into controversy today after the Minority Caucus in Parliament announced its rejection of the nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie and walked out of the vetting proceedings. The decision to boycott was announced by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin following hours of tense exchanges with Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, which led to a temporary suspension of the session for nearly 30 minutes. After the break, Mr. Afenyo-Markin formally declared the Minority’s decision to abstain from the process, leading his side to exit the chamber. This left only members of the Majority on the Appointments Committee to continue the vetting. “Be it known to you, chairman, the committee, and the country that we, the Minority Caucus, hereby vote en bloc to reject the nominee,” the Minority Leader and MP for Effutu stated. “We would want to state on record that the Majority can proceed with the questions. We do not intend to proceed with any question. We are, however, registering in the strongest terms that we reject the nomination, and the records should reflect that the report of this committee be a majority report.” Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, who currently serves as Acting Chief Justice, was nominated by President John Mahama to succeed former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo following her removal from office. The Minority’s decision to reject the nominee and boycott the vetting stems from deep concerns over the selection process and ongoing legal challenges filed by Justice Torkonoo contesting her removal. Their absence means the vetting will proceed without the usual scrutiny and cross-examination from the Minority side, raising questions about the legitimacy and bipartisan nature of the eventual confirmation process. Spread the love