Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie approved as Ghana’s new CJ 

Parliament confirms appointment after vetting

Parliament has approved Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the new Chief Justice (CJ) of the Republic of Ghana. His confirmation on Thursday, November 13, followed a recommendation from the Appointments Committee of Parliament, which vetted him on Monday, November 10.

Presenting the Committee’s report, Chairman Bernard Ahiafor announced that, by a majority decision, the Committee recommended the adoption of the report approving Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination.

“The Committee therefore recommends to the House by majority decision the adoption of the report of the approval of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana,” Mr. Ahiafor stated.

Committee praises nominee’s competence and integrity

In his report, Mr. Ahiafor commended Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s performance during the vetting, noting his “outstanding competence, deep knowledge of the law, and firm grasp of judicial ethics.”

He added that the nominee addressed all questions “with professionalism, clarity, and intellectual rigor,” demonstrating his readiness to uphold the independence, integrity, and dignity of the Judiciary.

“The Committee is satisfied that the nominee possesses the requisite qualifications, judicial temperament, and commitment to constitutional values expected of the Chief Justice,” he added.

Debate divides Majority and Minority

Debate on the Committee’s report revealed sharp divisions between the Majority and Minority caucuses in Parliament.

While the Majority supported the motion to approve Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination, the Minority opposed it, demanding that a secret ballot be conducted to register their dissent formally.

The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, initially declared the motion passed through a voice vote, saying:

“Honourable members, I think the ayes have it.”

Minority challenges vote outcome

Unhappy with the Speaker’s ruling, the Minority caucus invoked Order 151(3) of Parliament’s Standing Orders, demanding a headcount to verify the vote outcome.

After the count, 163 Members of Parliament (MPs) voted in favour of the approval, while 69 MPs voted against.

However, the process did not end there. The MP for Tolon, Habib Iddrisu, challenged the accuracy of the headcount and called for a division, which would require a secret vote and the clearing of all non-MPs from the chamber.

Controversy over presence of non-MPs

Mr. Iddrisu alleged that some non-MPs, including the Ashanti Regional Minister, remained in the chamber during the headcount — a breach of parliamentary procedure.

“Mr Speaker, I made the application because I don’t believe it is the right number of MPs that stood up to vote ‘aye’. The Ashanti Regional Minister was still seated when he should have stepped out as a non-MP,” he protested.

Despite the objection, Speaker Bagbin maintained his ruling, reaffirming that “the ayes have it.” This officially confirmed Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Ghana’s next Chief Justice.

Conclusion

Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie’s approval marks the beginning of a new era in Ghana’s Judiciary. Known for his deep legal acumen and integrity, his leadership is expected to strengthen judicial independence and uphold the rule of law in Ghana.