The Minority in Parliament has filed a motion calling for the suspension of all proceedings related to the nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice until ongoing legal cases challenging the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo are concluded.
Citing Articles 110(1), 125–127, 144(1), and 146 of the 1992 Constitution, as well as relevant Standing Orders, the Minority urged Parliament to halt the Appointments Committee’s vetting process and any subsequent plenary debate or approval.
The motion highlights 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, all of which directly contest Justice Torkornoo’s removal from office.
It also calls on the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, to appear before Parliament to brief members on the status of all related litigation.
The Minority seeks detailed information on the cases, including their identities, the nature of any interim or conservatory orders, the reliefs being sought, and their implications for the Chief Justice’s position.
Additionally, the motion requests clarification on Ghana’s obligations under regional treaties connected to the ECOWAS Court case and the government’s assessment of possible legal and constitutional consequences should the nomination process continue while the cases remain unresolved.
The motion comes in the wake of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination by President John Dramani Mahama to replace Justice Torkornoo and the announcement of his upcoming vetting.
Source: AdomOnline
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