Appointments Committee Endorses Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice Despite NPP, Minority Opposition

The Member of Parliament for Akatsi South and Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, has revealed that members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Minority had earlier decided to oppose the nomination of the Chief Justice-designate.

Addressing Parliament, Hon. Ahiafor explained that the committee acted in accordance with Article 144(1) of the 1992 Constitution and Order 217 of the Standing Orders of Parliament in vetting the nominee submitted by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana.

He stated that, after careful deliberation, the committee found the nominee to be exceptionally competent, possessing a profound understanding of the law and a firm grasp of judicial ethics.

According to Hon. Ahiafor, the nominee answered all questions posed by the committee with professionalism, clarity, and intellectual rigor demonstrating integrity, independence, and the capacity to uphold the dignity of the nation’s highest court.

 The committee was therefore satisfied that the nominee possesses the requisite qualifications, judicial temperament, and commitment to constitutional values.

In conclusion, Hon. Ahiafor disclosed that all members of the NPP and the Minority caucus had expressed their opposition to the nominee even before the vetting process began.

 Following preliminary remarks by the Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, on behalf of the caucus, staged a walkout during the parliamentary proceedings.

By a majority decision, the committee recommended to the House the approval of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana.

Report by PKB