Minority caucus files motion to suspend vetting of Chief Justice nominee
Citing Articles 110(1), 125–127, 144(1), and 146 of the 1992 Constitution alongside relevant Standing Orders, the Minority insists that continuing with the vetting process under the Appointments Committee would constitute a constitutional and procedural impropriety
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The Minority Caucus in Parliament has filed a motion demanding the immediate suspension of all parliamentary proceedings relating to the nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice, pending the determination of ongoing legal challenges to the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
Citing Articles 110(1), 125–127, 144(1), and 146 of the 1992 Constitution alongside relevant Standing Orders, the Minority insists that continuing with the vetting process under the Appointments Committee would constitute a constitutional and procedural impropriety while the matter remains before multiple judicial bodies.
The motion references several active legal proceedings, including:
An ECOWAS Court suit (No. ECW/CCJ/APP/32/25);
A number of applications before the Supreme Court and High Court of Ghana — all challenging the legitimacy and due process of Justice Torkornoo’s removal.
According to the Minority, proceeding with the vetting or any plenary debate and approval process could “prejudice the ongoing adjudication and undermine the integrity of Ghana’s judicial independence.”
The motion also calls on Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, to appear before Parliament and deliver a comprehensive briefing on the litigation status.
The briefing, the Minority proposes, should include:
The identity and progress of all pending suits;
Any interim or conservatory orders issued by the courts;
The reliefs sought in the various actions; and
The constitutional implications for the office of the Chief Justice.
The Minority further seeks clarification on Ghana’s obligations under ECOWAS treaties, particularly regarding compliance with ECOWAS Court decisions, and the potential diplomatic and constitutional risks of proceeding with the appointment during ongoing regional adjudication.
President John Dramani Mahama nominated Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice following the controversial removal of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. The removal has since triggered intense political and legal debate, with multiple petitions alleging procedural irregularities and constitutional breaches in the removal process.
The motion sets the stage for a high-stakes constitutional confrontation in Parliament, testing the balance between executive prerogative, parliamentary procedure, and judicial independence within Ghana’s constitutional order.
