Parliament has approved Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the new Chief Justice of Ghana following his vetting by the Appointments Committee on Monday, November 10.
His confirmation on Thursday, November 13, followed a majority decision by the Committee recommending his appointment to the House.
“The Committee therefore recommends to the House, by majority decision, the adoption of the report on the approval of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana,” Committee Chair Bernard Ahiafor stated.
Presenting the report to Parliament, Mr Ahiafor said the nominee’s approval came after careful deliberation. He noted that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie displayed “outstanding competence, deep legal insight, and a firm grasp of judicial ethics.”
He added that the nominee responded to questions with “professionalism, clarity, and intellectual rigor,” qualities he said reflected his ability to protect the independence and integrity of the judiciary.
“The Committee is satisfied that the nominee possesses the qualifications, temperament, and commitment to constitutional values expected of a Chief Justice,” he said.
During the debate on the report, the Majority supported the motion to confirm Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, while the Minority opposed it and demanded a secret ballot to record their position.
Speaker Alban Bagbin eventually approved the motion through a voice vote, declaring, “Honourable Members, I think the ‘ayes’ have it.”
However, the Minority challenged the ruling under Order 151(3) of the Standing Orders and called for a headcount to formally register their objection.
