Parliament has approved Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Ghana’s new Chief Justice after a tense session marked by protests, petitions, and a walkout by the Minority Caucus.
The approval, secured by a 163–69 majority vote, followed days of political wrangling over the legitimacy of his nomination by President John Mahama.
The Minority, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, had earlier filed a petition urging Parliament to suspend the vetting process, citing ongoing court cases challenging the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
Despite the petition, the Appointments Committee proceeded with the vetting, prompting the Minority to stage a dramatic walkout. Afenyo-Markin, addressing the press, described the process as “a constitutional travesty” and insisted that “Parliament cannot be used to endorse what is before the courts.”
During the plenary debate on the committee’s report, tensions flared when Afenyo-Markin referred to Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as a “disputed nominee,” drawing sharp objections from Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, who defended the process as lawful and transparent.
Following a brief recess to restore order, the Majority pressed ahead with the motion, culminating in the 163–69 vote that confirmed Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s appointment.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, who has been serving as Acting Chief Justice, now officially succeeds Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
