Parliament’s Appointments Committee has, by a majority decision, recommended the approval of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the next Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana.
The Committee’s report, presented by Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, First Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Appointments Committee, highlighted the nominee’s exceptional competence, deep legal knowledge, and unwavering commitment to judicial ethics and constitutional principles.
Presenting the report to Parliament, Hon. Ahiafor said the Committee, acting in accordance with Article 144(1) of the 1992 Constitution and Order 217 of the Standing Orders of Parliament, thoroughly examined the nominee submitted by His Excellency the President of the Republic for appointment as Chief Justice.
“Upon careful deliberations, the committee notes that the nominee demonstrated outstanding competence, a very deep knowledge of the law, and a firm grasp of judicial ethics.”
Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, First Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Appointments Committee
He added that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s performance during his vetting reflected the intellectual depth, professionalism, and moral character required of the head of Ghana’s Judiciary.
“He addressed questions posed by the committee with professionalism, clarity, and intellectual rigour, reflecting his capacity to uphold the independence, integrity, and dignity of the highest court of the land”.
Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, First Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Appointments Committee
According to Hon. Ahiafor, the committee was satisfied that the nominee possesses the requisite qualifications, judicial temperament, and commitment to the constitutional values expected of a Chief Justice.
Minority’s Objection
However, the Committee’s deliberations were not without controversy. The Minority members of the Committee, all from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), expressed their opposition to the nomination.
Hon. Ahiafor revealed that the Minority had declared their stance before the vote, indicating their intention to vote against the nominee. “All the New Patriotic Party Minority members of the committee indicated before the voting that they had voted against the nominee,” he stated.
“All the members of the New Patriotic Party Minority were opposed and indicated from the onset, before voting, that they were voting against the nomination of the Chief Justice nominee. They subsequently walked out of the proceedings after the preliminary remark by the Honourable Minority Leader”.
Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, First Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Appointments Committee
Despite the walkout, the Committee proceeded with its work and, by majority decision, recommended Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie’s approval by the full House. “The committee therefore recommends to the House, by majority decision, the adoption of the report of the approval of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana. Right Honourable Speaker, I so submit,” Hon. Ahiafor concluded.
The nomination of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, a seasoned jurist of the Supreme Court, has sparked both commendation and debate across the political divide. Members of Parliament from the Majority side, including senior ministers and legal practitioners, have strongly endorsed his appointment.
Majority’s Support
Dr. Dominic Ayine, Attorney General and Minister for Justice, praised the nominee’s integrity and vast experience.
“We have no doubt that the President appointed the right person to the position of Chief Justice. He has high moral character, proven integrity, and has experience of not less than 15 years as a lawyer.
“Baffoe-Bonnie more than qualifies; he has been a Justice of the Supreme Court for more than a decade, and there has been no integrity issue on his part”.
Dr. Dominic Ayine, Attorney General and Minister for Justice
He further disclosed that the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) conducted a background check on the nominee and “the report gave a clean bill of health on him.”
The Minister for Interior and MP for Asawase, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, also commended the nominee’s distinguished service on the bench, describing him as a man of impeccable record.
“You will wonder why he wasn’t made Chief Justice long ago, but this is his time. We must support and encourage him,” he said, adding that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s appointment would inspire renewed confidence in the Judiciary.
However, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, MP for Asante Akim Central and a member of the Minority, justified their decision to oppose the nomination. He cited ongoing legal cases involving the state in various courts, including the Supreme Court, the High Court, and the ECOWAS Court of Justice, as the basis for their reservations.
“We indicated to the committee that we were going to vote against the nominee. There are seven separate proceedings at various jurisdictions, inclusive of the High Court, Supreme Court, and ECOWAS Court”.
Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, MP for Asante Akim Central
He argued that Ghana, as a serious member of ECOWAS, must respect judicial processes and avoid actions that could be perceived as prejudicial while such cases are pending. “What will happen if all these pending cases in the court are decided, and it goes against the government?” he questioned.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie appeared before the Appointments Committee on Monday, November 10, where he affirmed his qualifications and readiness to lead the Judiciary into an era of renewed confidence and transparency.
The nominee, who has served as a Justice of the Supreme Court for nearly two decades, is known for his judicial restraint, fairness, and commitment to upholding the rule of law.
If approved by the plenary of Parliament, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie will succeed the removed Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo and become the next head of Ghana’s Judiciary. His appointment would come at a time when the Judiciary continues to face calls for greater transparency, efficiency, and public trust in the administration of justice.
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