By:Hamza Lansah Lolly/Ibrahim Issah
The Minority in Ghana’s Parliament has filed a motion to suspend the vetting process of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, nominated by President John Dramani Mahama to replace Justice Gertrude Torkornoo as Chief Justice. The motion, filed on October 28, 2025, argues that the vetting process should be halted pending the outcome of ongoing legal cases challenging Justice Torkornoo’s removal from office.
The Minority cites several pending cases, including one before the ECOWAS Court (Suit No. ECW/CCJ/APP/32/25) and others before Ghana’s Supreme Court and High Court, which directly contest Justice Torkornoo’s removal. The motion urges Parliament to await the court’s decision before proceeding with the vetting and potential approval of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination.
The key points of the motion are:
– Suspension of Vetting Process: The Minority requests that Parliament halt the Appointments Committee’s vetting process and any subsequent plenary debate or approval.
– Legal Clarity: The motion seeks detailed information on the cases, including their identities, nature of interim or conservatory orders, reliefs being sought, and implications for the Chief Justice’s position.
– Government’s Assessment: The Minority also requests clarification on Ghana’s obligations under regional treaties connected to the ECOWAS Court case and the government’s assessment of potential legal and constitutional consequences.
The development comes as Justice Baffoe-Bonnie prepares to face the Appointments Committee for vetting, with the Minority urging him to be thoroughly prepared to address concerns regarding his nomination.
