JUSTICE PAUL BAFFOE-BONNIE IS GHANA'S NEW CHIEF JUSTICE AFTER PARLIAMENTARY APPROVAL

The Parliament of Ghana has approved Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the next Chief Justice, following the presentation of the Appointments Committee’s report after his vetting on Monday, 10 November.

Presenting the Committee’s report to Parliament on Thursday, 13 November, the Chairman,Hon.  Bernard Ahiafor, said the recommendation for approval was made by a majority decision after careful deliberation.
According to the report, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie demonstrated “outstanding competence, a deep understanding of the law, and a firm grasp of judicial ethics.”

The House subsequently debated the report, with members of the Minority Caucus opposing the approval. 
They argued that the process should be suspended until the conclusion of legal actions filed by former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo.

Following a voice vote for the adoption of the report, Speaker Alban Bagbin declared the approval of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination. 

However, the minority caucus in parliament challenged the decision which prompted the Speaker to direct for a headcount.

The majority Caucus however with their huge numbers won the headcount with 163 members present against the minority who had 69 members in the house.