Ghana’s lawmakers have given the green light to Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to become the country’s next Chief Justice. This came after a tense review and debate on the Appointments Committee’s report.
On Monday, November 10, the vetting session turned dramatic. Members from the opposition Minority walked out in protest. They said the process broke rules because court cases are still challenging the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. They called it unfair and driven by politics.
Even with the boycott, the ruling Majority pushed ahead. On Thursday, November 13, Parliament voted to accept the committee’s report by a majority. This seals Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s nod as the new Chief Justice.
When sharing the report, First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor praised Baffoe-Bonnie’s top skills and honesty. He said these make him a great fit for the job.
The Minority didn’t like the simple voice vote. They asked for a head count instead. It showed 169 votes from the Majority and 63 from the Minority.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie joined the Supreme Court in 2008. He’s one of Ghana’s most experienced judges and has helped decide many big cases.
His new role should bring steady leadership to the courts. This is key as Ghana deals with big legal and rule-of-law issues right now.
President John Dramani Mahama will swear him in soon at the Jubilee House.
