Explainer: Why Ghana’s Minority in Parliament boycotted the vetting of Chief Justice nominee

Ghana’s Parliament witnessed a dramatic turn on Monday when opposition lawmakers from the Minority Caucus walked out of the vetting session for Chief Justice nominee Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, effectively rejecting his nomination and boycotting the process. Their withdrawal has deepened the political standoff surrounding the judiciary – an institution that, by constitutional design, is meant to remain above partisan fray. Here’s what happened, and why it matters. What triggered the boycott? The boycott was led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who announced during the Appointments Committee proceedings that his side would not participate in questioning the nominee. “Be it known to you, chairman, and the committee and the country, that we, the Minority Caucus, hereby vote en bloc to reject the nominee,” Afenyo-Markin declared, moments before leading his members out of the chamber. Their decision followed a tense exchange with Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, prompting a temporary suspension of the session. When the committee reconvened, the Minority members refused to continue, leaving the Majority to conduct the vetting alone. What are the Minority’s concerns? At the heart of the dispute lies the process that led to Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination. The Minority argues that the nomination is tainted by controversy because former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, who was removed from office, has filed legal challenges contesting her dismissal. They contend that proceeding with a new appointment while those cases remain unresolved undermines judicial independence and due process. Who is Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie? Justice Baffoe-Bonnie is a respected figure in Ghana’s judiciary. A long-serving Supreme Court Justice, he currently holds the position of Acting Chief Justice, stepping in after Torkonoo’s removal. Over the weekend, he was honored at the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards, where he delivered a widely praised speech urging the media to uphold truth, courage, and responsibility remarks that have since taken on new resonance amid his nomination controversy. His rise to the top judicial post was seen by many as a natural progression, reflecting both his seniority and experience. What happens next? Despite the boycott, the vetting will proceed with the Majority members alone, meaning Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination could move forward without bipartisan scrutiny. According to Ghana’s Constitution, confirming a Chief Justice requires the support of two-thirds of Parliament members present and voting. With the Minority abstaining, the Majority is expected to use its numbers to confirm him, though the legitimacy of such a process may later face public or legal challenge. Why does this matter? The episode exposes how judicial appointments have become flashpoints for political division in Ghana. While walkouts and boycotts are not unprecedented, the rejection of a Chief Justice Nominee, the head of the judiciary, is a rare and consequential move. It raises questions about the balance of power between the executive, legislature, and judiciary, and whether the judiciary can maintain the perception of neutrality in an increasingly polarized political environment.