After comprehensive screening and deliberation of the Appointments Committee’s report, Parliament has confirmed Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination as Ghana’s next chief justice.
On Monday, November 10, during Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s vetting, Minority Members of Parliament abruptly withdrew and 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.
The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor, presented the Committee’s report and stated that Paul Baffoe-Bonnie was worthy of the role due to his extraordinary expertise and honesty.
However, the minority rejected the voice vote and insisted on a head count, which resulted in the minority recording 63 members and the majority recording 169.
One of Ghana’s longest-serving justices, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has been on the Supreme Court since 2008 and has contributed to a number of significant decisions.
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.