The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed strong reservations about the nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie for the position of Chief Justice, describing the move as a potential breach of constitutional order and judicial propriety.
In a statement signed by NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the party said its opposition to the nomination was not politically motivated but grounded in its “solemn duty to defend the 1992 Constitution of Ghana from any action that threatens its integrity and the balance of powers it enshrines.”
According to the statement, the party’s main concern stems from ongoing court cases related to the removal of former Chief Justice Her Ladyship Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo.
The NPP said seven substantive suits challenging her removal are currently pending before the Supreme Court, the High Court, and the ECOWAS Court of Justice.
The party argued that proceeding with a new nomination while those cases are still before the courts undermines the judiciary’s authority.
“The decision by the Mahama administration to proceed with a nomination for this high office, while these pivotal cases remain unheard, constitutes a pre-emptive assault on the judicial function and a dangerous departure from constitutional order,” the statement read.
Conflict of Interest Allegations
The NPP also cited what it described as a conflict of interest involving the nominee. The party noted that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie had presided over interlocutory proceedings in Assafuah v. Attorney-General — a case that directly relates to the status of the Chief Justice’s office and his own acting position.
The statement further alleged that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie was part of the Supreme Court majority that permitted the “flawed removal process” of Chief Justice Torkornoo to continue, which, according to the NPP, raises serious ethical concerns.
“The appearance of a conflict of interest is palpable and undermines public confidence in the impartiality of the judiciary,” the party stated. “His acceptance of the nomination while the legality of the vacancy is under judicial contest demonstrates disregard for the sub judice rule.”
Call to the Executive and the Public
The NPP cautioned the Mahama administration to exercise restraint and adhere strictly to constitutional provisions in the appointment of judicial officers.
The party accused the government of using “brute political force” to impose its will on the judiciary.
“Political majorities are transient, but constitutional principles are eternal,” the statement warned, adding that individuals enabling what it called “the subversion of constitutional order” would be held accountable politically and legally.
Addressing Ghanaians, the NPP called on citizens to defend the Constitution and uphold the rule of law.
“We call on all citizens who cherish democracy to stand in defence of our Constitution. The NPP will not relent in its duty to safeguard Ghana’s democratic institutions,” the statement concluded.
Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie’s vetting by Parliament is expected to proceed in the coming days. The government has yet to respond officially to the NPP’s concerns.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
