Minority files motion to halt vetting of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie

The Minority in Parliament has officially submitted a motion seeking to stop all parliamentary proceedings related to the vetting and approval of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice.

The group insists that the process should be paused until all court cases challenging the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo are fully resolved.

The motion, filed in accordance with Articles 110(1), 125–127, 144(1) and 146 of the 1992 Constitution, and Parliament’s Standing Orders, calls for the suspension of the Appointments Committee’s vetting session as well as any subsequent debate or approval by the House.

According to the Minority, proceeding with the nomination while several cases remain before the courts could compromise the integrity of both Parliament and the judiciary. The motion cites ongoing legal challenges, including a case at the ECOWAS Court (No. ECW/CCJ/APP/32/25), along with suits before Ghana’s Supreme Court and High Court, all contesting the legality of Justice Torkornoo’s removal.

The Minority is also requesting that the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, appear before Parliament to give a detailed briefing on all litigation related to the matter. They want him to provide information on the current status of each case, any interim or conservatory orders issued, the nature of the reliefs sought, and how these might affect the office of the Chief Justice.

In addition, the Minority wants clarity on Ghana’s legal obligations under regional treaties, particularly regarding the ECOWAS Court proceedings, and a government assessment of the constitutional implications of continuing with the appointment while litigation is still pending.

Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, who has been on the Supreme Court bench since 2008, was nominated by President John Dramani Mahama on September 23, 2025, following the removal of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo earlier that month. He currently serves as Acting Chief Justice.

The motion is expected to be debated when Parliament reconvenes.