Accra: Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, nominee for Chief Justice, has pledged to restore public confidence in the judiciary, emphasising that the law must serve as both a shield for the weak and a restraint for the powerful. Appearing before the Appointments Committee of Parliament, the 68-year-old Supreme Court judge outlined his vision for the judiciary if approved.
According to Ghana News Agency, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie stated that his tenure would focus on procedural clarity, efficiency, accountability, and open justice. He stressed that the law should apply equally to everyone, regardless of social status. With 17 years of experience on the Supreme Court bench, he highlighted his integrity and experience as key qualifications for leading the judiciary into an era of transparency and renewed trust.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie promised to preserve the institution's legacy while strengthening its credibility in the eyes of the public. He assured that he would leverage information communication technology and artificial intelligence in empaneling the Supreme Court bench and adjudicating cases to expedite trials.
The vetting session witnessed drama as the Minority Caucus, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, staged a walkout in protest. This followed a heated exchange between Afenyo-Markin, the Ranking Member of the Committee, and Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga. The debate centered on parliamentary rules, judicial independence, and legislative oversight boundaries.
To ease tensions, Committee Chairman Bernard Ahiafor called for a 'cocoa break,' allowing members to cool off before resuming proceedings. Justice Baffoe-Bonnie's nomination comes at a critical time for Ghana's judiciary, which has faced questions about independence and public trust.
His commitment to upholding fairness and accountability will be closely monitored as Parliament deliberates on his approval. If confirmed, he will be responsible for steering the judiciary towards greater openness and efficiency, ensuring justice remains accessible and impartial for all citizens.