The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called for a secret ballot on the approval of Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.
According to him, some Members of Parliament on the Majority side also have reservations about the nomination and would prefer the opportunity to express their true positions through a secret vote.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, November 13, during the debate on the Appointments Committee’s report following the nominee’s vetting, Mr. Afenyo-Markin reaffirmed the Minority’s firm opposition to Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s appointment.
“Mr. Speaker, we maintain our position on this nomination and we reject same. We are going to demand a secret ballot to vote and have Hansard reflect our opposition,” he declared.
He argued that a secret ballot would allow MPs to freely express their independent opinions without fear or pressure.
“Mr. Speaker, we know there are members who hold their own views and would want to exercise their rights through a secret ballot. We, the Minority, will invoke that right to formally register our dissent on this matter,” he added.
Despite the Minority’s stance, the Appointments Committee’s report recommended Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s approval, citing his deep understanding of the law, adherence to judicial ethics, and strong commitment to constitutional values.
