The Minority Caucus in Parliament has confirmed it will fully participate in the vetting of the nominee for Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, dismissing speculation of a boycott.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin delivered the definitive assurance, stating, “Boycotting is out… We will never boycott it. We will do what is right. All our cards are on the table.”
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The decision ensures the caucus will honour its constitutional duty under Article 144(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which requires parliamentary approval for the Chief Justice appointment.
However, the Minority Leader stressed that their participation should not be mistaken for an endorsement of the process leading to the nomination.
The core of the Minority’s concern revolves around the controversial removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo and her unresolved legal challenge. Justice Torkornoo has filed a suit before the Supreme Court contesting her removal, and she remains a sitting member of the court.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin pointedly questioned the propriety of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, a long-serving Supreme Court Justice since 2008 and the acting Chief Justice, continuing in the role while the challenge has not been heard.
“The woman has a case before you challenging the processes. You’ve refused to empanel the court. If you want to rule, empanel the court, determine the matter and then bring finality. Then we can talk,” he asserted.
He argues that the failure to constitute a panel to hear the matter raises serious questions about fairness and institutional integrity, especially since the acting Chief Justice oversees the very court where the case is pending.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, who was nominated on September 23, 2025, and has been serving as Acting Chief Justice since the controversial removal of Justice Torkornoo earlier that month, is expected to face intense scrutiny.
The pending legal challenge is set to dominate the vetting proceedings when he appears before the Appointments Committee in the coming days.
Despite the deep constitutional reservations, Mr. Afenyo-Markin stated the Minority intends to engage constructively, viewing the vetting as a vital opportunity to uphold the rule of law and ensure constitutional accountability.