Parliament’s Appointments Committee to Scrutinize Nomination of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie
The Minority Caucus in Ghana's Parliament has issued a strong cautionary statement to the Acting Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, urging him to undertake adequate preparation for his impending vetting before the Appointments Committee. This public call comes as the House prepares to consider his nomination for the substantive role of Chief Justice.
President John Dramani Mahama’s nomination of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie was formally referred to the committee by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, when the legislative body reconvened on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. This step initiates the crucial constitutional process required for parliamentary approval.
Constitutional Scrutiny and Concerns Over Readiness
Speaking on the floor of the House, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin articulated the caucus’s demand for thoroughness. He voiced underlying concerns regarding what he described as constitutional lapses surrounding the nominee’s appointment and his temporary assumption of office.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin stressed that the vetting process is not a formality but a critical constitutional exercise designed to ensure the nominee is fit to hold the highest judicial office. He stated emphatically that the nominee must appear before the committee fully prepared "to earn the approval of the House."
The Minority Leader further cautioned that unpreparedness will not be tolerated. He warned, “If you come unprepared-you do not have your judgments, and we have questions about your involvement in your boss's 'sacking' or concerns about how you have conducted yourself-you are required to answer. So, you have to prepare.”
What The Vetting Process Entails
The parliamentary vetting process serves as a key check on the executive’s power of appointment, particularly for positions as crucial as the Chief Justice, who heads the Judicial Service. For Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, the committee's questioning is expected to delve into several critical areas, including:
Judicial Philosophy and Integrity: His views on the rule of law, independence of the judiciary, and ethical conduct.
Case Law and Judgments: A review of his significant judicial rulings and contributions to Ghana’s jurisprudence.
Administrative Experience: His capacity to lead and manage the Judicial Service effectively, including implementing reforms.
Controversial Issues: Addressing any outstanding public or political concerns regarding his professional conduct or previous role, as explicitly referenced by the Minority Leader.
The call for meticulous preparation underscores the high stakes of the upcoming vetting and signals that the Appointments Committee is determined to conduct a robust and rigorous review before making a recommendation for Justice Baffoe-Bonnie's confirmation.