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Parliament approves Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice

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Published 13 November 2025

Source TV3

CJ nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.

Parliament has, through a head count, approved the nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie as the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana.

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Parliament approved him on Thursday, November 13. 163 members of the Majority were counted while the Minority recorded 69 members.

“I urge the nominee to take all that has been happening, from the nomination to the approval, into consideration in his tenure of office,” the Speaker said after the approval on Thursday.

Prior to the ehadcount, the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, had pushed for a secret ballot for the approval or otherwise of the Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.

He made the point that there are some members of the Majority who even have problems with the nomination of Baffoe-Bonniee, so they will want to express that in a secret ballot.

“We leave everything to posterity, everything we witness is for posterity…we are going to demand a secret ballot to vote on this [approval of Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination]. We know there are members on their side who have their own views and want to express them when there is a secret ballot,” he said in Parliament on Thursday, November 13.

Afenyo-Markin also said that the fact that the prima facie case against the former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo remains unpublished by the government is a concern to the Minority.

He made the point that this is one of the reasons the Minority cannot support the nomination and approval of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice.

“As we speak, the prima facie case against Torkornoo hasn’t been published. The fact that it hasn’t been published is of concern to us,” Afenyo-Markin said.

He added, “The fact that the recommendation that gave rise to the president’s actions is not public is of concern to us…The fact that there appears to be some rights violations of Gertrude Torkornoo, we in the Minority are unable to support this nomination.”

For his part, the Member of Parliament for Asante Akim Central, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi,  has told Parliament that the Minority opposed the nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice because there are cases in courts challenging the removal of the former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, including the ECOWAS court.

He wondered what would happen to the approval of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie if the ECOWAS court rules on the cases and it does not go in favour of the government.

“We indicated to the committee that we were going to vote against the nominee. There are seven separate proceedings at the various jurisdictions, inclusive of the High Court, Supreme Court and ECOWAS courts. Ghana is a member of ECOWAS and a very serious member. Under ECOWAS, we have the ECOWAS parliament and court, and we must respect the court. What will happen if all these pending cases in the court they decided, and it goes against the government,” he told Parliament after the Appointments Committee of Parliament, by a Majority decision, recommended for the approval by Parliament, the Chief Justice nominee.

Chair of the committee Bernard Ahiafor told the house on Thursday that Baffoe-Bonniee demonstrated deep knowledge of the law during his vetting.

“The nominee demonstrated outstanding competence, deep knowledge of the law and a firm grasp of the judicial ethics. He addressed questions posed by the committee with professionalism, clarity and intellectual rigour. The nominee possesses the requisites of qualification.”

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, the nominee for the office of Chief Justice, appeared before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, November 10, affirming his qualifications and readiness to lead the Judiciary into an era of renewed confidence and transparency.

The vetting began with controversy when the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, described Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as a “disputed nominee”.

“We gather to vet the disputed nominee for the office of Chief Justice. This is a case of whether Ghana’s judiciary will remain independent,” Afenyo-Markin stated in his introductory remarks.

The comment drew an immediate objection from the Majority Leader, Maham Ayariga, who insisted, “I am objecting to the term dispute because there is no dispute regarding the nominee before us”.

But in his opening remarks, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie acknowledged the task ahead, which he described as “marked by public skepticism, institutional fatigue, and a growing demand for justice”.

“The Judiciary of Ghana stands at a defining moment. As I appear before you today to be vetted by Parliament, I do so fully aware that this process is not merely a constitutional requirement—it is a national reckoning,” the nominee stated.

He pledged that, subject to his endorsement, he would not merely preserve the Judiciary’s legacy but would actively renew it. “The nation needs a judiciary that does not merely interpret the law; but elevates the nation’s conscience,” he said, vowing to “restore confidence in our judiciary and leave it stronger than I found it”.

Three Pillars of Transformation

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie outlined a comprehensive strategy for judicial transformation anchored on three core pillars:

Procedural Clarity & Predictability: This involves establishing publishable rules and timelines for everything from how cases are assigned to how they are managed.

Efficiency & Accountability: This will be achieved by adopting technology, performance targets, and dashboards to ensure “justice is delivered, not assumed”.

Open Justice: He proposed appropriate streaming, public summaries, and structured communication so that citizens “see the work of the Court, not just its verdicts”.

CJ nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.

He also pledged to lead an era of greater transparency, efficiency, and accessibility, ensuring that access to justice “should not depend on who you are or your connections“. His task, he concluded, is to ensure the law “remains both a shield for the weak and a restraint upon the powerful”.

Lending support to the nominee was Court of Appeal Judge Yaw Oppong, who was present in Parliament. Oppong expressed confidence that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie was fully prepared for the process.

“Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has been a Justice of the Supreme Court, from the High Court, Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court for many years. I am certain that he knows the relevant provisions, and he knows what is expected of him,” Oppong told TV3.

He added that since the nominee had been previously vetted as a Supreme Court judge, “he is a veteran in this area”.

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Iddrisu Abdul-Majeed Declares Intent to Contest for Tamale South NDC Deputy Communication Officer‎

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Published: May 31 2026

Published at ; 8:12Pm

Story by Saibu


‎A dedicated party communicator and grassroots mobilizer, Iddrisu Abdul-Majeed, has officially declared his intention to contest for the position of Deputy Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Tamale South Constituency.
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‎According to Mr. Abdul-Majeed, the decision follows extensive consultations with party elders, comrades, and faithful across the constituency. He said his aspiration is rooted in a strong commitment to the ideals and progress of the NDC, as well as a desire to contribute more effectively to the party’s communication efforts.


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‎Mr. Abdul-Majeed brings years of experience in party communication and youth mobilization. Since 2019, he has served as a member of the Northern Regional Communication Team, where he has played a role in promoting the party’s message and engaging with supporters across the region. He believes the experience has equipped him with valuable skills in strategic communication, grassroots engagement, and political messaging.


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‎His political journey also includes leadership within the Tertiary Education Institutions Network (TEIN). He served as a TEIN Organizer before rising to become President of the Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Kpembe chapter. During his tenure, he focused on mobilizing students, strengthening participation in party activities, and inspiring young people to become active contributors to the NDC’s growth.


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‎Beyond campus politics, Mr. Abdul-Majeed is the Founder and President of the Tamale South Young Democrats, a youth-focused group that has actively supported the party’s campaigns and mobilization efforts, particularly during the 2020 and 2024 general elections.
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‎At the grassroots level, he currently serves as the Branch Youth Organizer for the Almuqadas Polling Station in the Kakpagyili Electoral Area, where he continues to work to strengthen party structures, promote unity, and deepen engagement between the NDC and constituents.


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‎Outlining his vision for the position, Mr. Abdul-Majeed stated that he aims to support the constituency’s Communication Directorate in enhancing the party’s communication strategy, effectively projecting the achievements and policies of the NDC, combating misinformation, and strengthening engagement with party members and the wider public.
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‎He emphasized that unity, discipline, and effective communication remain critical to consolidating the party’s gains and positioning the NDC for greater success in Tamale South and beyond.


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‎Mr. Abdul-Majeed has therefore appealed to delegates, comrades, and supporters to back his candidature as the party prepares for its internal elections.
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‎“Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant, and united party that continues to serve the people effectively,” he said.


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‎For inquiries, comments, or further engagement, Mr. Abdul-Majeed can be reached via telephone on 024 752 9355 or by email at iddrisuabdulmajeed13@gmail.com.
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‎3y3 Zu! 3y3 Za!!

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Hon. Habib Soyalana commissions maternity ward, toilet facilities in Tolon Constituency

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Published by Inusah Dondaliya

Date: 31st May 2026

The Member of Parliament for Tolon, Hon. Alhaj Habib Iddrisu, has commissioned a maternity ward in Chirifoyili and two- 20 -seater toilet facilities in the Tolon township.

This advances his efforts and commitment not only to improving access to healthcare delivery but also to ensuring that sanitation practices in the Constituency are significantly enhanced.

In the company of constituency executives and Party functionaries, the Deputy Minority Chief Whip, commissioned the facilities for use, aimed at relieving the burden of the people in health and sanitation areas.

The projects form part of a broader commitment by the Tolon MP to meeting the social basic needs of the people, so as to enhance their livelihoods and socio-economic wellbeing.

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Hardi Pagazaa Clarifies Dagban’s Eid Tradition: ‘It Is Naa Jingli, Not Bugu Chugu’

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Published May 31 2026

Published at: 12:26Pm

Story by Saibu Terry

A Dagbon cultural advocate, Hardi Pagazaa, has sought to clarify misconceptions surrounding the ceremonial Eid celebrations performed by the Overlord of Dagbon, Ndan Yaa-Naa, emphasizing that the event is historically known as Naa Jingli and not “Buga Chugu” as widely portrayed on social media.

According to Pagazaa, several videos circulating online have been captioned as “Buga Chugu,” which some have interpreted as a “small gods festival.” He insists that no such festival exists in Dagbon and describes the characterization as historically inaccurate.

He explained that Naa Jingli is a centuries-old ceremonial tradition dating back to the reign of Naa Zanjina, the 17th Yaa-Naa of Dagbon, who is credited with introducing and publicly embracing Islam in the kingdom around the 15th century.

The ceremony commemorates the historic moment when Naa Zanjina accepted Islam and publicly performed prayers for the first time. Since then, Islam has remained deeply woven into the fabric of Dagbon’s traditional governance and culture.

Pagazaa noted that it is obligatory for the Yaa-Naa and paramount chiefs across Dagbon to observe at least the Eid prayers. This enduring relationship between traditional authority and Islam is reflected in the construction of mosques near palaces throughout Dagbon and the enskinment of Imams within the traditional leadership structure.

He further explained that the ceremonial Eid-ul-Adha observance traditionally takes place in the evening. Historically, the Yaa-Naa appeared at the prayer grounds dressed in full war regalia. According to him, this practice was permitted by Islamic scholars and Imams of the time as a security measure against potential attacks from rival groups, which were common during that era.

Over time, however, as Islam became more firmly established in Dagbon, the Yaa-Naa reportedly abandoned the use of war attire during prayers and directed other traditional leaders to do the same.

Pagazaa also highlighted the unique and revered position of the Imam in Dagbon society. He stated that, apart from the President of Ghana, the Imam is the only individual accorded the privilege of shaking hands with the Yaa-Naa, underscoring the spiritual significance of the office.

He said the continued observance of Naa Jingli serves as a powerful lesson in peaceful coexistence, demonstrating how respect for culture, patience, and sustained engagement can foster religious acceptance and social harmony.

The clarification comes amid growing public interest in Dagbon’s cultural and religious traditions, particularly following the circulation of videos from recent Eid celebrations involving the Yaa-Naa.

“Long reign Ndan Yaa-Naa. Long live Dagbon. Long live Ghana,” Pagazaa concluded.

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