Speaker of the Parliament, Alban Bagbib has issued a formal apology to the judiciary in the wake of the heated exchanges that preceded the vetting of Paul Baffoe‑Bonnie for the position of Chief Justice.
During the vetting process, tensions flared between Alexander Afenyo‑Markin, the Minority Leader, and Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader, when Afenyo-Markin described the nominee as a “disputed candidate.” Ayariga objected sharply, labeling the comment politically charged and inappropriate. The ensuing exchanges resulted in a walk-out by the minority members, who refused to participate in the vetting process.
Condemning the behaviour of the MPs, Speaker Bagbin reaffirmed that the judiciary is an independent arm of government, as guaranteed by the Constitution, and underscored the doctrine of separation of powers which calls for mutual respect between legislative and judicial bodies. He reminded members of Parliament of the rules governing decorum, specifically those forbidding imputing improper motives or using language likely to offend.
“On your behalf, I extend our deepest apologies and assurances of paramount continued respect for the judiciary and its esteemed members,” Bagbin said in the House, adding that future proceedings would observe “the highest standards of civility, objectivity and institutional respect.”
He also directed the leadership of the Appointments Committee to ensure that future vetting sessions proceed smoothly, without infringing on the dignity of any arm of government. Bagbin pledged to restore discipline in Parliament and warned that misconduct would no longer be tolerated.
