The Minority Caucus of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has raised strong objections to what it describes as an “unnecessary haste” in the process of appointing a new Chief Justice following the exit of Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo.
Addressing the Parliamentary Press Corps in Accra on Wednesday, Mr Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli, Member of Parliament for Gushegu, who spoke on behalf of the Caucus, argued that the vetting of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the next Chief Justice should be suspended until all legal challenges surrounding Justice Torkornoo’s removal are fully resolved.
The Minority has filed a motion through the Clerk to Parliament urging the Speaker to suspend the vetting process, which is scheduled for November 10, 2025.
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According to the Caucus, the former Chief Justice currently has six pending cases before the High Court and Supreme Court, as well as three cases before the ECOWAS Court. They insist that these matters must be concluded to uphold constitutional integrity and safeguard the rule of law.
The Minority warned that rushing the appointment of a new Chief Justice undermines democratic accountability and judicial independence, stressing that Parliament must allow due process to take its full course before proceeding with any nomination.
“This is not just a procedural matter; it is a test of our commitment to the rule of law and democratic accountability,” the motion stated.
The motion, submitted to the Clerk of Parliament, cites multiple constitutional provisions, Articles 110(1), 125 to 127, 144(1), and 146 of the 1992 Constitution, as well as relevant Standing Orders of Parliament. It argues that all legal challenges related to Justice Torkornoo’s removal must be settled before any vetting or approval of a new nominee can proceed.
Among the unresolved cases cited is Case No. ECW/CCJ/APP/32/25 before the ECOWAS Court, several applications before the Supreme Court, and ongoing High Court proceedings questioning the legality of her removal.
“The vetting of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie must be suspended until the courts have spoken on the legality and constitutionality of the removal of Justice Torkornoo,” the Minority asserted.
The motion has sparked intense debate within Parliament, with some lawmakers supporting the Minority’s stance as a necessary check on executive overreach, while others dismiss it as politically motivated.
Regardless of the outcome, the motion underscores the growing tension between the legislative and executive branches and highlights the broader national debate over transparency, due process, and judicial independence in Ghana‘s democracy.
