Private legal practitioner Victoria Bright has expressed confidence that the incoming Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, can make a meaningful impact on Ghana’s judiciary, although he can only serve for a limited term.

Her comments come ahead of the vetting of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie by Parliament’s Appointments Committee, scheduled to take place today, Monday, November 10.

The vetting will give Members of Parliament the chance to thoroughly examine his qualifications, judicial philosophy, and plans for Ghana’s justice system before deciding whether to endorse him to the House.

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Monday, 10 November, Ms Bright expressed optimism about the incoming Chief Justice’s potential to make a meaningful impact, saying, ‘I think God’s time is the best. He has a limited time, really; he can make an impact in that limited time, whatever he starts and doesn’t finish, I’m sure will be considered.’”

Asked whether the minority’s absence from the vetting session would affect the process, she pointed out that such instances have occurred before without affecting parliamentary business.

“It is not the first time we have had situations where one side hasn’t shown up and the business of Parliament has continued, hasn't it? So it’s not the first time it’s happened in our history,” she said.

Ms Bright further emphasised the importance of full participation by lawmakers, stating that the appointment of a Chief Justice is a matter for the nation as a whole, not just one political party.

“I hope they show up because a Chief Justice is a Chief Justice for all, not just for a political party. It is for us Ghanaians. That appointment is one that is very, very critical because it’s one of the three key arms of government, so it’s something that everyone has to participate in. So I think they owe it to their constituency to show up, but if they decide not to show up, well…” she added.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination comes after the removal of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, who had served as Chief Justice since 2023.