The Minority in Ghana’s Parliament has firmly opposed the nomination of Supreme Court judge Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the next Chief Justice. They are calling for a secret ballot to officially record their dissent.
During a debate on the Appointments Committee’s report on Thursday, November 13, 2025, Minority Leader Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin insisted that the caucus will formally register their objection through a confidential vote. He argued that a voice vote would not allow MPs with independent opinions to freely express their position.
The Minority maintains that the nomination remains controversial from their perspective, insisting that the secret ballot ensures transparency in registering opposition. Afenyo-Markin emphasized that this approach protects the rights of MPs who may hold personal views differing from the party line.
The Appointments Committee, however, had recommended Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s approval, highlighting his legal expertise, adherence to judicial ethics, and commitment to constitutional principles. Baffoe-Bonnie, currently Acting Chief Justice, was nominated by President John Mahama to succeed Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo and affirmed his readiness to guide the judiciary toward greater transparency and public trust.
Tensions flared during vetting when Afenyo-Markin described Baffoe-Bonnie as a “disputed nominee,” prompting objections from Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, who insisted there was no dispute regarding the nominee before Parliament. The incident underscores the deep divisions in Parliament over the leadership of Ghana’s judiciary.
