Minority files motion to stop vetting of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie

The Minority in Parliament has submitted a motion requesting the suspension of all proceedings regarding the nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice until all outstanding legal matters related to the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo are settled.

In this motion, the Minority referenced Articles 110(1), 125–127, 144(1), and 146 of the 1992 Constitution, along with pertinent Standing Orders, urging Parliament to halt the vetting process by the Appointments Committee and any related plenary discussions or approval actions.

The motion specifically mentioned several ongoing legal cases, including a suit before the ECOWAS Court (No. ECW/CCJ/APP/32/25) and additional applications pending in the Supreme Court and High Court, which are directly connected to Justice Torkornoo’s removal.

Moreover, it called for the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, to appear before Parliament to deliver a detailed briefing on the status of all litigation related to this issue.

According to the motion, the briefing should include information on the identity and status of the lawsuits, any interim or conservatory orders issued, the reliefs being sought, and their implications for the Chief Justice’s office.

Furthermore, the Minority seeks clarification regarding Ghana’s obligations under regional treaties pertinent to the ECOWAS Court proceedings, as well as the government’s evaluation of the potential legal and constitutional ramifications of proceeding with the appointment while the cases are still unresolved.

This motion follows the announcement of the vetting process for Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, who was nominated by President John Dramani Mahama after the removal of Chief Justice Torkornoo.