Parliament approves Baffoe-Bonnie as next CJ

Parliament has approved Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Ghana’s next Chief Justice following a majority decision by the Appointments Committee and subsequent endorsement by the full House.

The approval was given on Thursday after the Committee’s report, presented by its Chairman Bernard Ahiafor, recommended Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s approval based on his “outstanding competence, a very deep knowledge of the law, and a firm grasp of judicial ethics.”

According to Mr. Ahiafor, the nominee exhibited “professionalism, clarity, and intellectual rigor” during his vetting on November 10, qualities he said reflected Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s ability to preserve “the independence, integrity, and dignity of the highest court of the land.”

“The Committee is satisfied that the nominee possesses the requisite qualifications, judicial temperament, and commitment to constitutional values expected of the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana,” the Chairman stated.

Debate over the Committee’s report, however, revealed sharp divisions between the Majority and Minority caucuses.

While the Majority backed the nomination, the Minority demanded a secret ballot to formally record their opposition.

At the end of deliberations, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin put the question to a voice vote, declaring, “Honourable members, I think the ayes have it.” The Minority immediately contested the result under Order 151(3), calling for a headcount.

When the votes were tallied, 163 Members of Parliament supported the motion, while 69 voted against it.

Yet controversy persisted when Tolon MP Habib Iddrisu challenged the count, insisting the figures did not match the number of MPs who visibly voted “aye.” He also claimed that non-MPs remained in the chamber during the vote.

“Mr Speaker, I made the application because I don’t believe it is the right number of MPs that stood up to vote ‘aye’. The Ashanti Regional Minister was still seated when he should have stepped out as a non-MP,” he argued.

Despite his objection, Speaker Bagbin maintained his earlier ruling that “the ayes have it,” thereby confirming Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as Ghana’s next Chief Justice.