Baffoe-Bonnie’s vetting: Minority’s dissent will be appreciated in future – Kamal Deen
Deputy National Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alhaji Kamal-Deen Abdulai, has described the Minority’s walkout during the vetting of Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, as a principled stance that underscores the importance of dissent in a democratic process.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Tuesday, November 11, he noted that while the action sparked controversy, it represents a learning moment for Parliament and highlights the value of respecting differing viewpoints.
“Yes, it was a process and a learning curve. All of us will learn, and that has happened. All we have to do is caution ourselves. Sometimes it is important and decent to listen to dissenting views. The Minority’s principle that we took and dissented, I believe we may not see it today, but tomorrow we will come to appreciate the principle they stood on. The Minority’s walkout was appropriate; if you have a principle, you stand by it,” he said.
The Minority in Parliament disputed the vetting of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie by the Appointments Committee, citing ongoing court cases and procedural concerns surrounding his nomination.
Led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the group argued that proceeding with the vetting while legal challenges concerning the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo remain unresolved undermines judicial independence and violates principles of due process.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination follows the controversial dismissal of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, who was removed from office on September 1, 2025, after a committee established under Article 146 of the Constitution found her guilty of misconduct, including the misuse of public funds and breaches of constitutional provisions. Her dismissal, approved by President John Mahama, has since been challenged in court by Justice Torkornoo, who described the process as unconstitutional.
Tensions escalated during the vetting session on Monday, November 10, when a heated exchange erupted between the Minority Leader and Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga. The confrontation began when Ayariga objected to Afenyo-Markin’s attempt to make his opening remarks, arguing that the matter had already been addressed through a motion previously filed in Parliament.
Afenyo-Markin had also referred to Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as a “disputed Chief Justice nominee,” a comment that drew immediate objection from the Majority side. Ayariga insisted that the vetting was not a courtroom proceeding and demanded that the Minority Leader retract the remark and apologise.
In response, Afenyo-Markin accused the Majority Leader of acting in bad faith and attempting to suppress the Minority’s right to freely express their views during the vetting process.
The confrontation forced a brief suspension of proceedings, after which the Minority maintained its protest and eventually boycotted the session. Despite their absence, the Appointments Committee proceeded with the vetting of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie.
Alhaji Kamal-Deen said the incident provides an important lesson in democratic governance, emphasising that political disagreements are inevitable but must be handled with respect for institutional norms.
