Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has defended his nomination as Chief Justice by President John Mahama, dismissing claims that the appointment is a political reward for supporting the president during the 2013 election petition.
During his vetting on Monday, November 10, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie said, “I wouldn’t know what goes on in the president’s mind since I’m not there. But I would be disappointed if my only qualification for the chief justice nomination is that I voted for the president in 2013. That is on a lighter note, but I believe I am qualified for the position.”
The nominee emphasised his extensive judicial experience, having served on the Supreme Court for 17 years.
“To say I am the best qualified person in the Supreme Court… now I will say that. The person who served nearest to me has been there for 10 years, another from 2005, and others from 2019 and 2020. So, I believe I qualify for the position,” he added.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination has drawn public attention, with some questioning whether political considerations influenced the decision. Parliament’s vetting aims to assess his qualifications, judicial experience, and overall suitability for the country’s highest judicial post. If confirmed, he will succeed the removed Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.