The Minority in Parliament has boycotted the vetting of Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, insisting the process is flawed because of unresolved court cases challenging the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
Led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the group walked out of the Appointments Committee proceedings on Monday, November 10, saying they could not be part of a process that grants rights to one person while denying another.
“We are registering that we reject the nomination, and the record should reflect that the report of the vetting be a Majority report,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin told the committee.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination follows the controversial dismissal of Justice Torkornoo, which the Minority and several civil society organisations have described as unconstitutional and politically driven. They argue that continuing the vetting while multiple legal challenges remain before the courts undermines judicial independence and the rule of law.
The session was marked by tense exchanges, particularly between Mr. Afenyo-Markin and Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, who objected to the Minority Leader’s attempt to make an opening statement. Mr. Ayariga maintained that the issue had already been addressed when the Minority filed a motion in Parliament over the same matter.
Despite the walkout, the Majority proceeded with the vetting, which is expected to continue this week.
