The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has formally apologised to the Judiciary after a tense confrontation erupted during the vetting of Chief Justice nominee Paul Baffoe-Bonnie on Monday, November 10, 2025. The incident involved sharp exchanges between Minority and Majority leaders in the House, prompting Speaker Bagbin to step in and reaffirm Parliament’s respect for the Judiciary.
Addressing the House on Tuesday, Bagbin underscored that the Judiciary remains a coequal branch of government under the 1992 Constitution. He reminded Members of Parliament that parliamentary rules prohibit remarks that may offend or suggest improper motives, emphasizing that decorum and the dignity of the institution must always be preserved.
In his address, Bagbin called for strict adherence to the doctrine of separation of powers, urging MPs to engage with one another and the Judiciary respectfully. He warned that future breaches of conduct would be met with stricter enforcement, noting that disciplinary measures would be more stringent than a simple warning.
The confrontation occurred during the Appointments Committee session when Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin described the Chief Justice nominee as “disputed,” highlighting constitutional and procedural concerns regarding the nomination. The comment was quickly challenged by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, who argued that the term violated parliamentary rules preventing members from revisiting matters already settled by the House.
The incident has reignited discussions on parliamentary decorum and the importance of maintaining respectful dialogue between the legislative and judicial branches, especially during high-profile vetting exercises. Speaker Bagbin’s apology signals an effort to restore civility and reaffirm the integrity of both Parliament and the Judiciary.
