The First Deputy Minority Whip and Member of Parliament for Tolon Constituency, Habib Iddrisu, has announced that the Minority will fully participate in the vetting of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie for the position of Chief Justice of Ghana, despite their reservations.
Minority to Fulfill Constitutional Duty
Speaking to reporters at Parliament, Iddrisu emphasized that it is the Minority’s constitutional responsibility to take part in the process, regardless of the Speaker’s refusal to admit their earlier motion. “It is our parliamentary duty and definitely we have to perform our duty; that is why we’re here for the vetting of the Chief Justice,” he said.
Reservations Noted, Duty Comes First
Iddrisu noted that the Minority has made their reservations known on the floor of Parliament, but it is their mandate as elected MPs to participate in the process. “We have our reservations; we’ve made it known on the floor of Parliament and the Speaker didn’t admit our motion,” he said.
Confidence in Posterity’s Judgment
The MP expressed confidence that history will justify the Minority’s position on the matter. “Decisions made in the House have a long-term effect. To the extent that the motion was not admitted and was declined, it is the Speaker who knows why, but we’re very much aware that posterity will vindicate us,” he added.
Vetting Underway Amidst Disagreement
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s vetting is currently underway, following a disagreement from Minority MPs and a motion filed by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to suspend the process. The Speaker, Alban Bagbin, dismissed the motion on November 7, allowing today’s proceedings to take place.
