Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie has defended his nomination as Chief Justice by President John Mahama, dismissing suggestions that it is a political reward for supporting the president during the 2013 election petition.

Speaking during his vetting on Monday, Justice Baffoe Bonnie said, “I wouldn’t know what goes on in the president’s mind since I’m not there. But I actually will be disappointed if my only qualification for the chief justice nomination is that I voted for the president in 2013. But I mean that is on a lighter note, but I think I qualify for the position.”

The nominee emphasised his extensive experience on the Supreme Court, where he has served for 17 years.

“To say I am the best qualified person in the Supreme Court… now I will say that. The person who I served nearest to me has been there for 10 years… The next person came there in 2005… others are from 2019 and 2020. So, I think I qualify for the position,” he added.

Justice Baffoe Bonnie’s nomination has drawn public attention, with some questioning whether political considerations played a role.

The vetting by Parliament is aimed at examining his qualifications, judicial experience, and overall suitability for the country’s top judicial post.

If confirmed, Justice Baffoe Bonnie would succeed the removed Chief Justice Torkonoo.