Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, nominee for the Chief Justice position, has affirmed his qualifications during the vetting process, addressing questions about his nomination and past judicial service.
Speaking before the Parliamentary Vetting Committee, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie acknowledged the controversy over his vote in the 2013 election petition but rejected the notion that this alone justified his elevation.
“I would be disappointed if my only qualification for the Chief Justice nomination is because I voted for the President in 2013,” he remarked, underscoring that his nomination rests on extensive judicial experience.
He detailed his 17-year tenure on the Supreme Court, pointing out that he is the most senior member, having joined the court in 2008.
“The person who has served nearest to me came in 2015. Others joined in 2019 and 2020. So, I think I qualify for the position,” he stated.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie traced his judicial career trajectory across different administrations, highlighting his appointments by leaders from varied political backgrounds. He was first made a Circuit Court judge under former President Rawlings, promoted in 2000, and subsequently elevated to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court by President Kuffour.
His promotions spanned presidencies from Rawlings through Mills, Kuffour, Mahama, and now the current administration.
“If 17 years later, another president deems it fit to elevate me to the position of Chief Justice, I believe I cut across all political boundaries. People should see me as deserving of the position,” he said.
While expressing respect for the President’s prerogatives in the nomination process, he added, “The President might have his own reasons. I don’t know those.”
