The Parliament of Ghana has officially approved the nomination of the Acting Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffour Bonnie, as the substantive Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana.
The approval, which followed an intense debate on the floor of the House, was marked by heated exchanges and partisan division between the Majority and Minority sides.
The Minority Caucus opposed the nomination, citing concerns over fairness and procedure, while the Majority, led by its leader Hon. Mahama Ayariga, strongly defended the nominee and ensured his eventual approval.
Proceedings began with a spirited debate in which both sides presented their arguments for and against the motion.
The session soon grew tense as the Minority maintained that the process of confirmation was being rushed and lacked transparency. Despite their objections, the Speaker allowed the motion to proceed to a voice vote, where members were asked to verbally express their support or opposition.
When the Speaker ruled in favor of the “I’s”, the Minority challenged the outcome, describing it as “unfair and inconclusive.” They immediately called for a headcount to determine the actual number of Members of Parliament (MPs) supporting or rejecting the motion.
The headcount was subsequently conducted, with results showing 163 votes from the Majority and 69 votes from the Minority.
Despite the clear numerical difference, the Minority leadership again raised concerns about the process, demanding a division, a more rigorous voting procedure that requires MPs to physically move to opposite sides of the chamber to indicate their stance.
However, after further debate and deliberation, the Speaker of Parliament dismissed the call for a division, describing it as unnecessary and time-wasting.
He then declared the motion carried, officially confirming Justice Baffour Bonnie as the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana.
“The division has been unnecessarily claimed. The motion has accordingly been adopted. This Honourable House has approved the nomination of Justice Paul Baffour Bonnie as Chief Justice in accordance with Article 114(1) of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana,” the Speaker ruled, drawing applause from the Majority.