Minority in Parliament Calls for Suspension of Chief Justice Nominee Vetting Due to Ongoing Court Cases

The Minority in Parliament has filed a motion requesting the immediate suspension of all parliamentary proceedings regarding the nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie for Chief Justice until ongoing court cases related to the dismissal of the former Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, are resolved.

The motion, which is directed to the Clerk of Parliament, references Articles 110(1), 125 to 127, 144(1), and 146 of the 1992 Constitution, as well as various Standing Orders of Parliament.

The Minority argues that proceeding with the vetting or approval of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie would be unconstitutional and premature while multiple legal challenges remain unresolved, including a pending case before the ECOWAS Court (Suit No. ECW/CCJ/APP/32/25) and other matters before the Supreme Court and High Court regarding Justice Torkornoo’s removal.

Additionally, the Minority has called for the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice to appear before Parliament to update Members on the status of the ongoing legal cases. They have requested that the briefing include information on the jurisdictions involved, the reliefs being sought, any interim orders issued, and Ghana’s commitments under regional treaties.

The Minority also urged the Business Committee to adjust the House’s schedule and for the Appointments Committee to halt any planned vetting sessions related to Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination until the legal disputes are either resolved or withdrawn.

The motion was signed by six Minority MPs:

• Hon. Anyimadu Antwi (Asante Akim Central)
• Hon. John Darko (Suame)
• Hon. Gloria Owusu (Trobu)
• Hon. Damata Salam Ama Appianimaa (Afigya Kwabre South)
• Hon. Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli (Gushegu)
• Hon. Kwabena Boateng (Ejisu)