The Minority in Parliament has filed a motion calling for an immediate suspension of all proceedings on the nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice.
They argue that Parliament must wait until all legal cases challenging the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo are resolved.
Citing Articles 110(1), 125–127, 144(1), and 146 of the 1992 Constitution and relevant Standing Orders, the Minority urged Parliament to suspend the Appointments Committee’s vetting and any plenary debate or approval of the nomination.
The motion referred to several pending cases, including one before the ECOWAS Court and others before Ghana’s Supreme Court and High Court. These cases, according to the Minority, question the legality of Justice Torkornoo’s removal.
The Minority also requested that the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, brief Parliament on the status of all ongoing litigation. They want full details on the nature of the suits, any court orders, the reliefs being sought, and the possible implications for the office of the Chief Justice.
They further asked for clarification on Ghana’s obligations under regional treaties linked to the ECOWAS Court case and the potential legal and constitutional consequences of proceeding with the appointment while the cases are still pending.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie was nominated by President John Dramani Mahama after the removal of Chief Justice Torkornoo
