The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly condemned the nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie for the office of Chief Justice, citing constitutional and judicial concerns.
In a statement released by party General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the NPP said the nomination by President John Dramani Mahama’s administration amounts to a “pre-emptive assault on the judicial function” and a breach of constitutional order.
The removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo is currently the subject of seven ongoing legal suits at the Supreme Court, High Court, and the ECOWAS Court of Justice. The NPP said proceeding with a nomination while these cases remain unresolved undermines the rule of law.
The opposition also cited potential conflict of interest, noting that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie presided over proceedings related to the Torkornoo case and later accepted the nomination to the office that is itself under legal dispute.
The NPP called on the administration to respect constitutional principles and urged Ghanaians to defend the integrity of the judiciary.
“The appearance of a conflict of interest is palpable and undermines public confidence in the impartiality of the judiciary,” the statement said.
“Political majorities are transient, but constitutional principles are eternal,” the statement read.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie is facing vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee, which will examine his record and suitability for Ghana’s highest judicial office.
Source: asaaseradio.com
