Parliament confirms Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as new Chief Justice
The approval, granted on Thursday, 13 November, follows his vetting earlier in the week by the Appointments Committee, which recommended him by a majority decision.
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Ghana’s Parliament has endorsed Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the country’s next Chief Justice, following a divisive debate and multiple challenges to the voting process on the parliamentary floor.
The approval, granted on Thursday, 13 November, follows his vetting earlier in the week by the Appointments Committee, which recommended him by a majority decision.
Presenting the Committee’s report, Chair Bernard Ahiafor said Justice Baffoe-Bonnie had demonstrated “exceptional competence, deep knowledge of the law, and strong adherence to judicial ethics.”
According to the report, the nominee responded to questions with “professionalism and intellectual clarity,” leading the Committee to conclude that he possesses the temperament and constitutional commitment expected of a Chief Justice.
The final parliamentary debate revealed significant disagreement between the Majority and Minority sides.
The Majority Caucus fully backed his nomination.
The Minority opposed it, demanding a secret ballot to formally register their dissent.
Speaker Alban Bagbin initially declared the approval by voice vote, prompting an immediate challenge from the Minority, who invoked Order 151(3) to request a headcount.
The headcount ended with:
163 MPs voting in favour
69 voting against
But the result did not go uncontested.
Habib Iddrisu, MP for Tolon, argued that the recorded number of MPs who voted “aye” did not match what he observed. He also claimed that some non-MPs — including the Ashanti Regional Minister — remained seated in the chamber during the vote, contrary to procedure, and demanded a division that would require clearing the chamber.
The Speaker rejected the objection, ruling once again that “the ayes have it,” thereby confirming Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s appointment.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, already a long-serving member of the Supreme Court, is set to assume leadership of the judiciary at a time of heightened public scrutiny of the courts and growing political tension.
