Parliament has approved Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the Chief Justice of Ghana following his vetting by the Appointments Committee on Monday, Novem
Parliament has approved Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the Chief Justice of Ghana following his vetting by the Appointments Committee on Monday, November 10.
The approval, which came on Thursday, November 13, followed a majority decision by the Committee recommending his nomination to the House for adoption.
Presenting the report, Committee Chairman Bernard Ahiafor said the nominee was endorsed after thorough deliberation, describing him as a jurist of “outstanding competence, deep legal knowledge, and firm grasp of judicial ethics.”
He noted that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie responded to all questions “with professionalism, clarity, and intellectual rigor,” demonstrating his ability to uphold the independence and integrity of the Supreme Court.
“The Committee is satisfied that the nominee possesses the requisite qualifications, judicial temperament, and commitment to constitutional values expected of the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana,” Mr. Ahiafor stated.
However, the approval process was marked by sharp division between the Majority and Minority caucuses. While the Majority supported the motion for Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s confirmation, the Minority opposed it, insisting on a secret ballot to formally record their dissent.
After the debate, Speaker Alban Bagbin ruled in favour of the approval through a voice vote, declaring, “I think the ayes have it.”
The Minority, dissatisfied with the outcome, challenged the ruling under Order 151(3) and called for a headcount.
Tolon MP Habib Iddrisu later questioned the accuracy of the headcount and demanded a division—a secret vote that would have required clearing the chamber of non-MPs. He alleged that some non-MPs, including the Ashanti Regional Minister, remained seated during voting.
“Mr Speaker, I made the application because I don’t believe it is the right number of MPs that stood up to vote ‘aye’. The Ashanti Regional Minister was still seated when he should have stepped out as a non-MP,” he protested.
Despite the objections, the Speaker upheld the voice vote, confirming Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie’s approval as Ghana’s new Chief Justice.