Bagbin Tasks Committee to Vet Chief Justice Nominee Baffoe-Bonnie with Urgency
Parliament reconvened on Tuesday, October 21, with focus shifting to the nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the next Chief Justice of Ghana. Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin formally referred the President’s nominee to the Appointments Committee for vetting and approval.
The Speaker, reading a letter from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo dated October 14, 2025, noted that the nomination followed consultations with the Council of State in accordance with Article 144(1) of the 1992 Constitution.
“I have the honour to respectfully submit, for the approval of Parliament, the nomination of Justice for Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana,” a part of the statement said.
According to the President’s communication, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, currently serving on the Supreme Court, has demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to justice throughout his career.
His long service on the bench, the letter indicated, reflected sound judicial temperament and a passion for upholding the rule of law.
The President expressed confidence that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie possesses the leadership and administrative competence required to advance ongoing judicial reforms and strengthen public trust in the Judiciary.
Supporting documents and his curriculum vitae were also submitted to Parliament to assist in the vetting process.
Speaker Bagbin urged the Appointments Committee to conduct a public hearing and report back to the House for consideration.
He also encouraged non-committee members to attend the sessions as observers but reminded them they would not have voting rights.
“We trust that this will be done in accordance with the laws of this country and at the end of the day, please, we will give you ample time for us to assist His Excellency to make sure that the confidence in the arms of government is restored and enhanced.”
Meanwhile, the day’s sitting also saw the swearing-in of two newly elected Members of Parliament — Bernard Bediako Baidoo for Akwatia and Professor Alidu Seidu for Tamale Central — both of whom won their seats in by-elections held in September following the deaths of their predecessors.
Mr Baidoo, a 40-year-old lawyer, succeeded the late Ernest Yaw Kumi of the New Patriotic Party, while Professor Seidu, a former head of the Political Science Department at the University of Ghana, replaced the late Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed of the National Democratic Congress.
Welcoming the new lawmakers, Speaker Bagbin urged them to uphold the oaths they had sworn and to approach parliamentary duties with humility and a willingness to learn.
Story by Adwoa S. Danso
