The National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mustapha, has criticised President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to nominate Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the country’s next Chief Justice following the removal of Justice Gertrude Araba Torkonoo.
According to Mustapha, the move marks a “dark chapter” in Ghana’s democratic history.
Reacting to the announcement, he argued that even under the military leadership of former President Jerry John Rawlings, the judiciary remained untouched despite the existence of “kangaroo courts.”
“Even during Rawlings’ coup d’états, the judiciary was left alone. This is the first time we are seeing this happen and I tell you, it is a dark day for the judiciary in Ghana,” myjoyonline.com quoted him to have said in an interview on Joy News.
Profile of new Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie
The Presidency, however, has defended the nomination, stating that it complies with Article 144(1) of the 1992 Constitution.
It highlighted Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s extensive judicial career spanning the High Court, Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court as justification for the choice.
The appointment comes in the wake of the dismissal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkornoo.
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Also, watch some videos from the NPP’s protest below:
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