The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly objected to the ongoing vetting of Supreme Court Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie for the position of Chief Justice, describing the process as unconstitutional and a direct threat to Ghana’s judicial independence.
In a statement signed by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, the NPP said the nomination by the Mahama administration “constitutes a grave breach of constitutional order,” arguing that the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo remains sub judice.
“The NPP will witness this travesty, strongly condemn it, and publicly denounce its outcome. The Constitution is the sacred covenant of the Ghanaian people, and we shall never relent in our duty to defend it,” the statement read.
According to the NPP, seven substantive legal suits are currently pending before the Supreme Court, High Court, and the ECOWAS Court of Justice, all challenging the legality and procedure surrounding Justice Torkornoo’s removal.
The statement added:
“It is a cardinal principle of constitutional governance that where the legitimacy of a foundational state action is directly challenged before a competent court, the political branches must exercise restraint until the judiciary has discharged its constitutional mandate.”
The party accused the government of disregarding judicial due process, describing the move to appoint a new Chief Justice while the matter is before the courts as “a pre-emptive assault on the judicial function.”
Conflict of Interest Allegation
The NPP also raised ethical concerns over Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination, alleging a potential conflict of interest. The party claimed that the nominee had previously presided over Assafuah v. Attorney-General, a case that touched on issues relating to the office of the Chief Justice.
“This situation engages the timeless principle of nemo judex in causa sua — that no person shall be a judge in their own cause,” the statement said, adding that his acceptance of the nomination “undermines public confidence in the judiciary.”
While acknowledging Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s long and distinguished service on the bench, the NPP described his decision to accept the nomination as “a gross and detrimental failure of judicial leadership.”
Defense of Constitutional Principles
The party cautioned the Mahama administration against using political power to undermine constitutional checks and balances.
“Political majorities are transient, but constitutional principles are eternal,” the statement warned.
Reaffirming its commitment to defend Ghana’s constitutional democracy, the NPP called on citizens to rise in defense of the rule of law and separation of powers.
“The Constitution is the sacred covenant of the Ghanaian people, and we shall never relent in our duty to defend it,” the party concluded.
