The opposition group in Ghana’s Parliament has said no to approving Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the country’s next Chief Justice. They want a secret ballot so everyone can vote privately and show their true feelings.
On Thursday, November 13, during a debate on the Appointments Committee’s report, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin spoke up strongly. The committee had checked out Justice Baffoe-Bonnie earlier in the week and most members okayed him. But the minority side disagrees.
“Mr. Speaker, we stick to our view and reject this nomination. We will ask for a secret ballot to vote no. That way, the official records will show our opposition,” Afenyo-Markin said.
He added that some lawmakers might have their own ideas and would vote more freely if no one could see who they pick.
“Mr. Speaker, we know some members have different thoughts and want to use their rights in a secret vote. We, the minority, will push for that to mark our no vote clearly,” he explained.
Even though the committee praised Justice Baffoe-Bonnie for his strong legal skills, ethics, and support for the constitution, the opposition won’t budge.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie is now the Acting Chief Justice. President John Mahama picked him to replace Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
