Baffoe-Bonnie’s Vetting Turns Chaotic as Ayariga and Afenyo-Markin Clash Over ‘Disputed’ Comment
Tensions flared during the vetting of Chief Justice nominee Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin engaged in a heated exchange over a “disputed” remark.
- Ayariga and Afenyo-Markin clashed during Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s vetting
- Dispute arose over Afenyo-Markin’s description of the nominee as “disputed.”
- Session highlighted deep partisan tensions in Parliament.
A heated exchange erupted between Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga during Monday’s vetting of Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.
The clash began when Mr. Ayariga objected to Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s introductory comments, arguing that the issues he raised had already been resolved in Parliament through an earlier motion.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin had described Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as a “disputed Chief Justice nominee,” prompting an immediate protest from the Majority Leader, who insisted the phrase was inappropriate and demanded a retraction and apology.
The Minority Leader, however, stood his ground, accusing Mr. Ayariga of trying to silence legitimate concerns and stifle open debate. He further criticised the lack of transparency in the dismissal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo—a remark that reignited the confrontation.
The verbal exchange laid bare the deep political rift between the two sides and reflected the tense atmosphere surrounding the vetting of the acting Chief Justice.
