The Minority in Parliament has submitted a motion seeking the suspension of all proceedings concerning the nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice until the resolution of all pending legal cases related to the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
The motion references Articles 110(1), 125 to 127, 144(1), and 146 of the 1992 Constitution, as well as relevant Standing Orders, and urges Parliament to suspend the vetting process by the Appointments Committee and any associated plenary debates or approval actions.
The motion specifically mentioned several ongoing legal cases, including a suit before the ECOWAS Court (No. ECW/CCJ/APP/32/25) and additional applications pending in the Supreme Court and High Court, which are directly connected to Justice Torkornoo’s removal.
Furthermore, it called for the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, to appear before Parliament to deliver a detailed briefing on the status of all litigation associated with this issue. According to the motion, the briefing should include information on the identity and status of the lawsuits, any interim or conservatory orders issued, the reliefs being sought, and their implications for the Chief Justice’s office.
Additionally, the Minority seeks clarification on Ghana’s obligations under regional treaties relevant to the ECOWAS Court proceedings. They also want the government’s assessment of the legal and constitutional effects of proceeding with the appointment while cases are unresolved.
This motion follows the announcement of the vetting process for Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, who was nominated by President John Dramani Mahama after the removal of Chief Justice Torkornoo.
