The recent vetting of the nominated Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie, has ignited significant discussions regarding the conduct of the vetting committee. Professor Avea Ephraim Nsoh, a lecturer at the University of Education, Winneba, and former Upper East Regional Minister, shared his insights during an appearance on the BlueWaves Breakfast Show. He suggested that the emotional connection of the Minority Leader in Parliament, Hon. Alexander Afenyo Markin, to the former Chief Justice, Justice Torkorno, is influencing the vetting process.
According to Prof. Nsoh, Afenyo Markin’s desire to see Justice Torkono recalled has led to a biased demeanor during the vetting, which affects the proceedings. “If it weren’t for political motivations, Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie should have been appointed Chief Justice prior to Torkono,” he asserted passionately. Prof. Nsoh emphasized that politics has tainted the evaluation process, suggesting that merit alone should dictate judicial appointments.
He recounted how the Minority in Parliament had previously made it clear that they would not cooperate during the vetting process, a stance illustrated by Afenyo Markin’s conduct. Prof. Nsoh also referred to a significant moment in parliamentary history, when the Speaker of Parliament, the Right Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin, declared four seats vacant in the 8th Parliament. Afenyo Markin, who was then the Majority Leader and is now the Minority Leader, took the matter to the Supreme Court, where he ultimately prevailed against the Speaker. This incident showcases a pattern of behavior that, according to Prof. Nsoh, reinforces the impact of personal interests and political dynamics on the vetting of judicial nominees.
Source: bluewaves radio| Maurice Duncan
