Parliament has approved the nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Ghana’s new Chief Justice of Ghana, following a heated vetting,debate and a head count on the Appointments Committee’s report.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s vetting on Monday, November 10, witnessed a walkout from the minority MPs, who rejected his nomination citing ongoing court cases challenging the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo as grounds for their boycott, describing the process as unconstitutional and politically motivated.
However, on Thursday, November 13, Parliament adopted the Appointments Committee’s report by majority decision, officially endorsing Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as the next Chief Justice.
First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor, who presented the committee’s report told the August house that Paul Baffoe-Bonnie had demonstrated exceptional competence and integrity, making him deserving of the position.
“Right Honourable Speaker, by way of recommendation, the Committee recommends to the House, by majority decision, the approval of the nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie for appointment as Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana,” he said.
Upon couple of contribution on the report calling for the approval of the nominee, the speaker had put the voice vote question.
“At the conclusion of the debate, I put the question. Those in favour of the adoption of the committees report, say ‘aye’, those against say ‘no’.”
After repeating the question and hearing from the house, the Speaker announced, “Honourable members, I think the Aye’s have it.”
However, Deputy Minority Whip, Habib Iddrisu challenged the voice vote and called for a head count.
At the end the ayes had 163 and the no’s, 69,seeing the approval of the nominee by majority vote.
“The motion has accordingly been adopted. This honorable house has accordingly approved the nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice of the republic in accordance with article 114 Clause 1 of the 1992 Constitution.” the speaker declared.
Bu Sampson Kumah Ifeetwube Elvis
About The Author
