By Francis Kobena Tandoh
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority in Parliament on Monday announced its rejection of the President’s nominee for the position of Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, and subsequently abstained from participating in the vetting proceedings.
Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, announced the decision by his side of the political divide following hours of a back-and-forth with Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, which led to a suspension for nearly 30 minutes.
Back from recess, Hon. Afenyo-Markin announced the abstinence of the Minority Caucus from the process as he led his side to walk out, leaving only members of the Majority side on the Appointments Committee to conduct the vetting process.
“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. We would want to state on record that the Majority can proceed with the questions. We do not intend to proceed with any question. We are, however, registering in the strongest terms that we reject the nomination, and the records should reflect that the report of this committee be a majority report,” said the Minority Leader.
The absence of the Minority from the committee hearing means that the vetting will proceed without the cross-examination and scrutiny traditionally provided by the Minority Caucus, raising questions about the legitimacy and bipartisan support for the eventual confirmation
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, currently serving as the Acting Chief Justice, was nominated by President John Mahama to succeed dismissed former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
The decision by the Minority to reject the nominee and boycott the crucial vetting session is rooted in deep-seated concerns over the process of selection and pending cases filed by Justice Torkornoo challenging her removal. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
Share Us
