The Appointments Committee of Parliament will today, Monday, November 10, vet Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie for the position of Chief Justice, following Speaker Alban Bagbin’s ruling that dismissed the Minority’s request to suspend the process.
The vetting is to consider Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination to replace Justice Gertrude Esaaba Torkonoo, whose removal from office has become a matter of legal contention.
Delivering his ruling on the floor of Parliament last Friday, November 7, Speaker Bagbin stated that there was no constitutional or procedural basis to halt the vetting because of pending court cases related to Justice Torkonoo’s removal.
“There is no constitutional or standing order basis for Parliament to halt the process simply because there are pending cases in court,” the Speaker ruled.
“Should I accept that argument, it would mean that any litigant could hold Parliament hostage by filing a case and freezing the work of Parliament and its committees. The motion is inadmissible and has been returned to the sponsor, the Minority Leader, Honourable Alexander Afenyo-Markin.”
Resistance
The Minority Caucus, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, had earlier demanded that Parliament suspend the vetting until all legal challenges filed by the ousted Chief Justice were resolved.
On the floor of Parliament, Mr. Afenyo-Markin argued that proceeding with the vetting would amount to a disregard for due process.
“We will not support any report that includes vetting on Monday. The Majority Leader should withdraw that portion,” he stated.
He further maintained, “Justice Torkonoo’s rights must be respected.
She has submitted herself to due process, and her petition deserves to be heard.
That vetting will not happen unless due process is followed.”
Changed Position
However, sources close to EveningMailGh indicate that the Minority has since reconsidered its stance and is expected to participate in today’s vetting session.
According to the sources, the Minority intends to use the opportunity to question Justice Baffoe-Bonnie on his alleged involvement in the removal of Justice Torkonoo and on several petitions reportedly filed against his nomination.
Information available suggests that about 12 petitions have been submitted by concerned citizens against the Chief Justice nominee, focusing on his administrative decisions and his role in recent judicial developments.
The vetting session is expected to be tense, with Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin likely to directly cross-examine the nominee on key issues related to judicial independence, accountability, and the integrity of the appointment process.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, who currently serves as Acting Chief Justice, will be appearing before the committee amid heightened public interest in the circumstances surrounding Justice Torkonoo’s removal and the broader implications for the independence of Ghana’s Judiciary.
