The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has apologised to the Judiciary following heated exchanges between two leaders of the House during the vetting of Chief Justice nominee, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, on Monday, November 10, 2025.

Delivering a statement in Parliament House on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, he reiterated Parliament’s respect for the Judiciary as a coequal arm of government under the 1992 Constitution.

Chaos in Parliament: We must stay resolute in service to Ghana – Bernard Ahiafor

“I extend our deepest apologies and assurances of Parliament’s continued respect for the Judiciary and its esteemed members. Parliamentary rules caution members against imputing improper motives or using words that are disrespectful or likely to cause offence. The Standing Orders serve as a reminder that our proceedings must always reflect the dignity and integrity of Parliament as a key organ of state.

“I wish to reaffirm Parliament’s unwavering respect for the Judiciary as a coequal arm of governance under Article 125(1) of the 1992 Constitution,” he said.

Speaker Bagbin also urged Members of Parliament to uphold the doctrine of separation of powers, which requires the three arms of government to interact with mutual respect.

Bernard Ahiafor's cryptic post that sparked debate after chaotic CJ vetting

“I will come back on this issue of decency, discipline, and decorum, and this time, I am coming with the hammer, not the gavel,” he noted.

Tensions flared at the Appointments Committee sitting on Monday, November 10, 2025, as the Minority and Majority clashed over the content and limits of opening remarks during the vetting of the Chief Justice nominee.

The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, in his opening statement on behalf of the caucus, described Baffoe-Bonnie as a “disputed nominee,” arguing that the process leading to the nomination raised constitutional and institutional concerns.

His remarks were challenged by the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, who stated that the term “disputed nominee” violated Order 123(5), which bars members from revisiting matters already decided by the House.





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