Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has issued a formal apology to members of the judiciary following a heated exchange between Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga during the vetting of President Mahama’s Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, on Tuesday.
The altercation disrupted proceedings and prompted the Minority side to walk out.
“Honourable Members, our standing orders require that we maintain order and decorum both in the House and in committee, refraining from offensive, insulting, or inappropriate language,” Speaker Bagbin reminded Parliament. “Specifically, Order 123 Rule 3 cautions members against imputing improper motives or using words that may offend.”
The clash began after Afenyo-Markin referred to Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as a “disputed nominee,” a description Ayariga rejected as politically motivated and improper. Afenyo-Markin, however, countered that the Majority was attempting to silence legitimate parliamentary scrutiny.
The tension stems from political claims made by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 campaign, suggesting that the government would replace then–Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo — a change that has now taken place under the Mahama administration.
Speaker Bagbin reiterated Parliament’s respect for the judiciary as an independent arm of government under Article 125(1) of the 1992 Constitution, stressing that the judiciary “is not subject to the control or direction of any person or authority.”
He urged lawmakers to observe the principle of separation of powers, which demands mutual respect and restraint among the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
Bagbin further instructed the leadership of the Appointments Committee to ensure that all future vetting sessions reflect “the highest standards of civility, objectivity, and institutional respect.”
Concluding his statement, he said: “On behalf of Parliament, I extend our sincerest apologies and reaffirm our unwavering respect for the judiciary and its distinguished members.”
