Chairperson of Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, has commended Chief Justice nominee Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie for demonstrating what he said was exceptional competence and a deep understanding of the law during his vetting.
Presenting the Committee’s report to Parliament on Thursday, Mr. Ahiafor said the vetting was conducted in accordance with Article 144(1) of the 1992 Constitution and Order 217 of the Standing Orders of Parliament.
He explained that after thorough deliberations, the Committee concluded that the nominee exhibited “outstanding competence, a very deep knowledge of the law, and a firm grasp of judicial ethics.”
According to the Chairperson, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie addressed all questions posed by members of the Committee with “professionalism, clarity, and intellectual rigour,” qualities he said reflected the nominee’s capacity to uphold the independence, integrity, and dignity of the Supreme Court.
“The Committee is satisfied that the nominee possesses the requisite qualifications, judicial temperament, and commitment to constitutional values expected of the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana,” Mr. Ahiafor stated.
He recommended to Parliament the adoption of its report and the approval of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana.
Meanwhile, during his vetting, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie dismissed suggestions that his nomination was a political reward for supporting the President during the 2013 election petition, insisting that he is “best qualified for the position of Chief Justice” based on merit, experience, and dedication to the rule of law.