Minority boycott of CJ vetting sparks debate over Ghana’s democratic process

Ghana’s political leadership has been encouraged to remain committed to the democratic systems they have helped build, following the Minority’s decision to walk out of Parliament during the vetting of Chief Justice nominee Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie.

Yaw Appiah Lartey, a lawyer and partner at Deloitte Africa, issued the call during an appearance on the current affairs programme Newsfile. He stressed that although political differences are inevitable, those disagreements should not interrupt parliamentary responsibilities or undermine the institutions that hold the country together.

According to Mr Lartey, Ghana’s democratic framework only thrives when all sides participate fully in the processes meant to provide checks and balances. He noted that walking away from critical national exercises, such as the scrutiny of a Chief Justice nominee, weakens the quality of oversight that citizens expect from their elected representatives.

He reminded political actors to reflect on the lessons of Ghana’s past. Using the period immediately after the 1992 elections as an example, he recalled how the opposition’s refusal to take up their seats affected parliamentary debate. In his view, the absence of a counterbalancing voice diminished the quality of laws passed during that time.

Mr Lartey explained that when the opposition returned to Parliament in 1996, the difference was clear: debates were richer, the scrutiny was stronger, and legislation benefited from diverse perspectives. For him, this historical moment demonstrates the importance of full participation in democratic processes.

The Deloitte partner warned that the recent walkout risks repeating the mistakes of that earlier era. He argued that stepping away from the process of vetting a Chief Justice nominee not only reduces transparency but also denies the public the benefit of rigorous examination from all sides of the political spectrum.

He emphasised that parliamentary duties should not be overshadowed by partisan tension. Ghana, he said, needs institutions that remain steady even when political actors disagree. With the appointment of a Chief Justice expected to shape the judicial landscape for many years, he urged lawmakers to prioritise national interest over political strategy.

In his view, the Judiciary stands at the centre of Ghana’s governance architecture, and any decision concerning its leadership should invite the highest level of scrutiny. By refusing to participate, he argued, the Minority risks weakening their own ability to influence outcomes that will eventually affect every citizen.

Mr Lartey concluded by reminding political leaders that democratic systems function best when all voices are present. Regardless of disagreements, Parliament must remain the arena where ideas are contested, nominees are evaluated, and national decisions are made transparently. He urged the two sides to find a way to manage their differences without disrupting processes that serve the broader public good.