Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour-Awuah, has justified the Minority’s decision to walk out during the vetting of Chief Justi
Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour-Awuah, has justified the Minority’s decision to walk out during the vetting of Chief Justice nominee Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, describing it as a calm and strategic move to maintain order.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP explained that the decision was not premeditated but taken spontaneously in response to developments during the session.
“There was no prior meeting. It was the events that took place at that moment, taking into account historical events at similar appointment committee sittings since we entered this Ninth Parliament,” he said. “We decided it would be in the best interest of the Minority and the nation to prevent any impression of chaos. So, we chose the peaceful route.”
According to him, the Minority wanted to preserve the dignity of Parliament and considered how Ghanaians—known for their peaceful disposition—would perceive any escalation during the vetting.
The Minority’s walkout was in protest of ongoing legal challenges surrounding Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination by President John Mahama.
Despite their exit, the Majority continued the proceedings, maintaining that Parliament had a constitutional duty to vet the nominee since no court injunction had been issued.