NPP questions Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination amid pending court cases

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has questioned the integrity of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination as Chief Justice, warning that it violates the constitution and undermines public confidence in the judiciary.

In a statement signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the party said the nomination “raises grave concerns about due process and judicial propriety” because the legality of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo’s removal is still being challenged in court.

“The removal from office of former Chief Justice Torkornoo remains the subject of seven substantive legal suits before the Supreme Court, the High Court, and the ECOWAS Court of Justice,” the statement said.

“Proceeding with a replacement while these cases remain unresolved is a pre-emptive assault on the judicial function and a dangerous departure from constitutional order.”

The NPP argued that the nomination compromises judicial impartiality, citing Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s involvement in a case related to the vacancy he is now set to fill.

“Public records show that the nominee presided over proceedings in Assafuah v. Attorney-General, which directly concerns the status of the Chief Justice’s office,” the statement said.

“This situation clearly engages the principle of nemo judex in causa sua—that no person should be a judge in their own cause.”

The party described the move as one that “undermines public trust in the judiciary and threatens the rule of law.”

It further said, “His Lordship’s decision to accept this nomination while the matter remains sub judice demonstrates a troubling disregard for judicial restraint.”

Addressing the government, the statement cautioned, “The executive’s prerogative to appoint must be exercised with constitutional fidelity, not brute political force.”

It added that “those aiding the subversion of constitutional order will, in due course, be held accountable politically, legally, and historically.”

“The NPP will strongly condemn and publicly denounce this outcome,” the statement assured the public.