Parliament has approved Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the new Chief Justice of Ghana following his vetting by the Appointments Committee earlier this week.
His confirmation on Thursday, November 13, came after the Committee, by a majority decision, recommended that Parliament adopt its report endorsing his nomination.
Presenting the report to the House, Committee Chairman Bernard Ahiafor said the decision followed extensive deliberations.
“The Committee therefore recommends to the House, by majority decision, the adoption of the report for the approval of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana,” he stated.
Mr. Ahiafor noted that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie demonstrated “exceptional competence, a deep understanding of the law, and a strong appreciation of judicial ethics.”
He added that the nominee responded to all questions from the Committee with “professionalism, clarity, and intellectual depth,” qualities that affirm his capacity to protect the independence and integrity of the judiciary.
“The Committee is satisfied that the nominee possesses the qualifications, temperament, and commitment to constitutional principles required of a Chief Justice,” Mr. Ahiafor said.
The approval process, however, sparked sharp divisions in Parliament. While the Majority supported the motion, the Minority opposed it and demanded a secret ballot to formally register their dissent.
Following a heated debate, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin ruled that the motion had been carried through a voice vote, declaring, “Honourable members, I think the I’s have it.”
The Minority, however, challenged the Speaker’s ruling, invoking Order 151(3) of the Standing Orders, and called for a headcount to confirm the decision.
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