The vetting of Chief Justice nominee Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie descended into open confrontation and a dramatic Minority walkout on Monday, November 10, deepening political divisions in Parliament.
Led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the opposition side stormed out of the Appointments Committee sitting after describing the nomination as unconstitutional and “tainted by unresolved legal challenges.”
“We are registering that we reject the nomination, and the record should reflect that the report of the vetting be a Majority report,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin declared before exiting the chamber.
According to the Minority, ongoing court cases at the Supreme Court, High Court, and ECOWAS Court regarding the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo render the current process improper. They argue that proceeding with the vetting undermines judicial independence and prejudges cases still before the courts.
The walkout was preceded by a tense exchange between Mr. Afenyo-Markin and Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, who objected to the Minority’s attempt to make preliminary remarks during the session. The tension escalated when the Minority Leader described Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as a “disputed Chief Justice nominee,” prompting Mr. Ayariga to demand an apology and insist that “the committee is not a courtroom.”
Mr. Afenyo-Markin shot back, accusing the Majority of trying to “stifle dissenting views” and warning that the process risked “further eroding public confidence in the judiciary.” He also described the circumstances surrounding Justice Torkornoo’s removal as “opaque,” drawing fresh objections from the Majority.
Despite the walkout, the Majority proceeded with the vetting, insisting the process was lawful.
