Member of Parliament (MP) for Manhyia South, Hon Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has defended the Minority’s controversial decision to boycott the vetting of Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie for Chief Justice, saying the move averted what could have been a “national embarrassment and constitutional confusion.”
Speaking in an interview on Dwaso Nsem on Adom 106.3 FM, Awuah described the walkout as a principled act taken when Minority members felt they were being prevented from speaking during the vetting process. He said, “Although I was on the committee, I was not allowed to speak when I wanted to.” He urged Ghanaians to support the Minority with prayers, emphasising that their action was meant to protect the constitution and safeguard judicial independence.
The boycott, led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, arrived after a tense start to the vetting session on 10 November 2025, when Afenyo-Markin referred to the nominee as a “disputed candidate.” That prompted objections from Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, who insisted that the term prejudiced the process. The disagreement forced a temporary suspension of proceedings. When the session resumed, the Minority formally rejected the nomination and exited the hearing.
The Minority’s position hinged on the fact that several court cases are still pending, challenging the legality of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo’s removal. They argued that vetting a new Chief Justice while these cases remain unresolved would violate constitutional norms and could trigger a serious crisis.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, however, rejected the Minority’s attempt to halt the process, saying there was no legal or procedural basis to delay the vetting simply because of pending litigation.
Despite the walkout, the Appointments Committee, composed solely of Majority members, proceeded with the vetting, and Parliament later approved Justice Baffoe Bonnie’s appointment as Chief Justice.
