Approving Baffoe-Bonnie as CJ Would Place Parliament in Conflict with Judiciary- Minority
The Minority in Parliament continues to push for a halt in the processes to approve Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the Chief Justice of Ghana.
In a 26-page petition, the Leader, Alexander Afenyo Markin, said the action would place parliament under direct conflict with the Judiciary as well as violate the separation of powers.
He requested that the House suspend the processes until the seven cases pending before the court about the dismissal of former CJ Gertrude Torkornoo are resolved.
He further argued, “If Parliament proceeds to approve the nominee, Ghana risks a constitutional collision—two competing claimants to the office of Chief Justice. That would undermine judicial authority and public trust.”
“The Attorney-General has refused to defend them. The Acting Chief Justice has not expedited them. Confirming the nominee while those cases are yet to be determined would place Parliament in direct conflict with the Judiciary and violate the separation of powers.”
He thereby accused the Attorney-General and the nominated CJ of bad faith due to their respective neglect of the courts and conflict of interest.
It urged Parliament not to make itself complicit.
“History will ask what Parliament did when judicial independence was at stake. Let it be recorded that the Minority Caucus chose principle over convenience, law over politics and restraint over haste.
“The Minority therefore, reiterate our call on the House to hold its hand in taking the report of the Appointments Committee. The courts are still seized with the matter; justice has not yet spoken. The prudent path – the constitutional path – is to wait.”
Read the full petition: Statement-on-CJ-Vetting1
Story by Hajara Fuseini
Click to read more: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/
