The Minority in Parliament has filed a motion seeking to suspend all proceedings related to the nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice until ongoing legal challenges concerning the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo are concluded.
In the motion, the Minority cited Articles 110(1), 125–127, 144(1), and 146 of the 1992 Constitution, along with the Standing Orders of Parliament, urging that the Appointments Committee’s vetting and any subsequent plenary debate or approval be put on hold.
The motion referenced several active cases — including one before the ECOWAS Court (Suit No. ECW/CCJ/APP/32/25) and others pending at the Supreme Court and High Court — which directly contest the legality of Justice Torkornoo’s removal.
The Minority also called for the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, to brief Parliament on the full status of these cases. The briefing, they said, should outline the parties involved, the nature of the reliefs sought, any interim rulings issued, and the potential implications for the office of the Chief Justice.
Additionally, the Minority wants clarification on Ghana’s obligations under regional treaties linked to the ECOWAS proceedings, as well as the legal and constitutional risks of proceeding with the vetting while the cases remain unresolved.
The motion follows the announcement of the upcoming vetting of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, who was nominated by President John Dramani Mahama to replace Chief Justice Torkornoo.
