Tensions were high in Parliament on Monday during the vetting of Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, after Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin described him as a “disputed nominee.”
His comment immediately drew objections from Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, who called it “politically charged” and cautioned that such remarks could undermine the integrity of the vetting process.
The heated exchange briefly interrupted the proceedings of the Appointments Committee, which was considering the nomination of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie to replace former Chief Justice Gertrude Esaaba Torkonoo.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin argued that the vetting should not proceed while Madam Torkonoo’s legal challenge against her removal is still pending before the ECOWAS Court of Justice. “Why are we in such a hurry to vet a new Chief Justice when the matter is before a regional court?” he questioned.
In response, Mr. Ayariga maintained that Parliament has the constitutional mandate to continue its duties and that the Supreme Court had already affirmed that position. He insisted that the vetting process would go ahead as scheduled.
The Appointments Committee later resumed its sitting, taking Justice Baffoe-Bonnie through questions on judicial independence, constitutional interpretation, and reforms within Ghana’s justice system.
