Bagbin Apologises to Judiciary Over Baffoe-Bonnie’s Vetting Chaos
Speaker expresses regret over tense exchanges during Chief Justice nominee’s vetting and reaffirms Parliament’s respect for the Judiciary
- Speaker Bagbin apologises to the Judiciary after heated exchanges during Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s vetting
- Reaffirms Parliament’s respect for the Judiciary as a coequal arm of government under the 1992 Constitution
- Warns MPs to maintain decorum, vowing stricter discipline in future proceedings
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has tendered an official apology to the Judiciary following the tense exchanges that erupted during the vetting of Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, on Monday, November 10.
Addressing the House on Tuesday, November 11, Mr. Bagbin expressed deep regret over the incident and reiterated Parliament’s unwavering respect for the Judiciary as an equal arm of government under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
“Parliamentary rules prohibit members from making imputations of improper motives or using language that is offensive or disrespectful. The Standing Orders remind us that our conduct must always reflect the dignity and integrity of this House,” he emphasised.
The Speaker reaffirmed the independence of the Judiciary, stressing that it must not be subjected to control or influence from any individual or institution. He reminded MPs of the constitutional principle of separation of powers, which demands mutual respect and restraint among the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary.
“I wish to reaffirm Parliament’s unshakable respect for the Judiciary as a coequal arm of governance under Article 125(1) of the 1992 Constitution,” Mr. Bagbin stated.
He further disclosed that the leadership of the Appointments Committee has been instructed to ensure future vetting sessions are conducted with utmost civility, objectivity, and institutional respect.
Mr. Bagbin reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to maintaining its longstanding cordial relationship with the Judiciary, describing it as vital to Ghana’s constitutional democracy.
“On behalf of Parliament, I extend our sincerest apologies and assurances of continued respect for the Judiciary and its distinguished members,” he added.
Concluding his statement, the Speaker issued a stern warning to MPs to uphold decorum and discipline in future proceedings, vowing to enforce strict standards of conduct. “I will return to this matter of decency, discipline, and decorum—and this time, I am coming with the hammer, not the gavel,” he cautioned.
