Dr. John Osae-Kwapong, a Democracy and Development Fellow at CDD-Ghana, has backed the Minority in Parliament’s call to suspend the vetting of Chief Justice nominee Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie until all court cases concerning the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo are resolved.
In an interview, Dr. Osae-Kwapong said Parliament would lose nothing by exercising caution and waiting for the court processes to conclude.
“There’s no harm in pausing the vetting until the courts finish their work. That way, Parliament doesn’t risk prejudicing or assuming the outcome of the case,” he explained.
He added that proceeding with the vetting while the matter is still before the courts could be interpreted as presuming the court’s decision.
“In principle, I see nothing wrong with that stance, because moving ahead could imply that Parliament already knows how the court will rule,” he noted.
Dr. Osae-Kwapong, who is also Project Director at The Democracy Project, said his view is rooted in respect for judicial independence and due process.
He stressed the importance of protecting the integrity of constitutional institutions, especially in politically sensitive situations.
Earlier this week, the Minority Caucus filed a motion urging the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, to halt the vetting of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie until all legal challenges to Justice Torkonoo’s removal are settled.
The Appointments Committee is scheduled to vet the Chief Justice nominee on Monday, November 10, 2025.
Source: ghanareport.com
