Minister for the Interior, Mubarak Muntaka Mohammed, has expressed his confidence in the nominee’s qualifications and readiness to lead the country’s judiciary.
Speaking during the parliamentary debate on the Appointments Committee’s report on November 13, Muntaka emphasized Baffoe-Bonnie’s vast experience, describing him as one of Ghana’s most distinguished and experienced judges.
Muntaka highlighted that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has dedicated 17 years of impeccable service to the judicial system, working under successive administrations and proving his professionalism and competence. The Minister pointed out that with such an extensive track record, it is surprising that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has not already been appointed as Chief Justice.
“If you look at his experience, his impeccable record, you would wonder why he has not been Chief Justice long ago,” Muntaka said during his address. He continued, stressing that the nominee’s career trajectory through various governments demonstrates his impartiality and capability to effectively lead the judiciary. “He has run his career through almost all governments, and he’s one of the very experienced persons we have. Everybody marks his time, and this is his time.”
Muntaka also proposed an amendment to the Committee’s report, suggesting that the report reflect that the decision to approve Justice Baffoe-Bonnie was made by consensus, rather than a majority vote. His suggestion comes after the Minority members of the Appointments Committee walked out during the vetting process. While their names remained on the committee’s records, Muntaka noted that no formal vote was taken before their exit.
“I suggest that we amend the committee’s report to say that the decision was by consensus and not a majority decision,” he stated. “Though the Minority walked out, their names were still recorded, and by the time they walked out, no voting had occurred.”
