Minority files motion to stop vetting of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie

The Minority in Parliament has filed a motion calling for the suspension of all proceedings on the nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice until all pending legal cases concerning the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo are resolved.

In the motion, the Minority, citing Articles 110(1), 125–127, 144(1) and 146 of the 1992 Constitution and relevant Standing Orders, urged Parliament to suspend the Appointments Committee’s vetting and any plenary debate or approval processes.

The motion specifically referenced multiple ongoing cases, including an ECOWAS Court suit (No. ECW/CCJ/APP/32/25) and other applications before the Supreme Court and High Court, which directly relate to Justice Torkornoo’s removal.

It further requested that the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, appear before Parliament to provide a comprehensive briefing on the status of all litigation related to the matter. The briefing, according to the motion, should cover the identity and status of the suits, any interim or conservatory orders granted, the reliefs sought, and their implications for the office of the Chief Justice.

Additionally, Minority seeks clarification on Ghana’s obligations under regional treaties relevant to the ECOWAS Court proceedings, as well as the government’s assessment of the potential legal and constitutional consequences of proceeding with the appointment while the cases remain pending.

The motion comes after the announcement of the vetting of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, who was nominated by President John Dramani Mahama following the removal of Chief Justice Torkornoo.