…Minority Vows Grilling as CJ Nominee Heads to Vetting Hot Seat
By Prince Ahenkorah
Parliament is bracing for a political showdown as the so-called “Minuscule Minority” fires a warning shot at Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, declaring that his vetting before the Appointments Committee will be anything but ceremonial.
The Minority, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, made it clear on the floor of Parliament that Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination by President John Dramani Mahama will face intense scrutiny.
“This vetting will not be a formality,” Afenyo-Markin thundered. “He must come prepared with his judgments, his record, and answers to the tough questions surrounding his conduct and the controversial exit of his predecessor.”
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, formally referred the nomination to the Appointments Committee on Tuesday, October 21, setting the stage for what insiders say could be one of the most combative vetting sessions in recent judicial history.
At the heart of the Minority’s concerns are alleged constitutional lapses and procedural irregularities in Baffoe-Bonnie’s assumption of office prior to parliamentary approval. “We are not rubber-stamping anything,” Afenyo-Markin warned. “This House has a duty to uphold the Constitution, not to play along with executive shortcuts.”
The Minority’s rhetoric signals a broader unease within Parliament over the transparency of judicial appointments and the independence of the judiciary under the current administration.
Sources within the committee say Baffoe-Bonnie will be grilled on his judicial philosophy, past rulings, and perceived proximity to political power. His role in the transition from former Chief Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah is expected to dominate questioning, with Minority MPs demanding clarity on whether due process was followed.
With the vetting date yet to be announced, political observers are already predicting fireworks. For Baffoe-Bonnie, the message is clear: Parliament is not serving tea and the Minority is bringing the heat.