The Minority in Parliament has filed a motion to suspend all proceedings regarding the nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice until all pending legal cases concerning the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo are resolved.
In the motion, the Minority cites Articles 110(1), 125–127, 144(1), and 146 of the 1992 Constitution, along with relevant Standing Orders, urging Parliament to halt the Appointments Committee’s vetting process and any plenary debates or approvals. The motion specifically references several ongoing cases, including an ECOWAS Court suit (No. ECW/CCJ/APP/32/25) and additional applications before the Supreme Court and High Court, which directly pertain to Justice Torkornoo’s removal.
Furthermore, the motion requests that the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, appear before Parliament to provide a comprehensive update on the status of all related litigation. This briefing should address the identity and status of the lawsuits, any interim or conservatory orders granted, the reliefs sought, and their implications for the office of the Chief Justice.
Additionally, Minority seeks clarification on Ghana’s obligations under regional treaties relevant to the ECOWAS Court proceedings, as well as the government’s assessment of the potential legal and constitutional consequences of proceeding with the appointment while the cases remain pending. The motion comes after the announcement of the vetting of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, who was nominated by President John Dramani Mahama following the removal of Chief Justice Torkornoo.
Source: Leticia Osei
