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&nbsp;The government-appointed Investigative Committee tasked with probing the tragic August 6 helicopter crash has publicly presented its findings.

The presentation was made on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, by Captain (Rtd) Paul Forjoe, a committee member.

The report revealed that the crash was caused by a sudden loss of altitude due to a downdraft, which was linked to adverse weather conditions. It also noted that the flight had been delayed by approximately one hour because of poor weather.

The investigation examined the flight history, weather patterns, sequence of events, causes of the accident, and organisational, systemic, and human factors.

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The report includes detailed findings and recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.

Below are details of the findings and recommendations in the report:

The helicopter was airworthy but lacked additional safety enhancements (HTAWS/EGPWS) for flying safer in the weather phenomena over that terrain.Environment: Adverse weather, limited visibility, rising terrain and no ground based navigational aid en route.Emergency response was timely.

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The investigation determined that the accident was caused by the sudden loss of altitude and lift due to downdraft.This loss of altitude without change in power or pitch attitude is consistent with downdraft associated with changing environmental conditions over high terrain.

Omane Boamah, Murtala Mohammed, and 6 others who died in military helicopter crash

<ul><li>Modernise the fleet of the Ghana Air Force.</li><li>Acquire modern aircraft with TAWS/EGPWS and modern navigation systems.</li><li>CVR/FDR with audio visual capable types.</li><li>Invest in flight simulators for recurrent training.</li><li>Contract certified aviation weather provider.</li><li>En route navigational aids.</li><li>Flight Data monitoring.</li><li>En route tracking systems.</li><li>Ground Support equipment.</li></ul>

<ul><li>The Z-9 EH accident was an unfortunate and sudden weather related accident.</li><li>Implementing the safety recommendations will prevent recurrence of accidents.</li></ul>

The tragedy claimed the lives of several senior officials, including Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Dr Samuel Sarpong, and NDC National Vice Chairman Samuel Aboagye.

Three crew members also perished: Wing Commander Peter Baafemi Anala, Flight Lieutenant Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Flight Sergeant Ernest Addo-Mensah. An interdenominational funeral service was held for the victims at Black Star Square, followed by a burial at the Military Cemetery on Friday, August 15.

Funeral of helicopter crash victim. Photo Credit: Ghana Broadcasting Corporation

Helicopter Crash: Full Findings and Recommendations from Investigative Committee Report

The government-appointed Investigative Committee probing the tragic August 6 helicopter crash has disclosed that the incident resulted from a sudden loss of altitude caused by a downdraft, which was attributed to adverse weather conditions.

The findings were revealed during a press conference held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, by Captain (Rtd) Paul Forjoe, a member of the committee. The report noted that the flight had already been delayed by approximately one hour due to poor weather conditions.

The investigation thoroughly examined the flight history, weather patterns, sequence of events, causes of the accident, as well as organisational, systemic, and human factors.

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In his presentation, Captain (Rtd) Forjoe stated:

<blockquote>Considering all the evidence, we can say with confidence that the emergency response was timely. The investigation determined that the accident was caused by a sudden loss of altitude due to a downdraft.</blockquote>

<blockquote>This loss of altitude, without changes to power or pitch, is consistent with downdrafts associated with variable environmental conditions over high terrain.</blockquote>

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The committee’s report included several recommendations, including the modernisation of the Ghana Air Force fleet. Captain (Rtd) Forjoe emphasised:

<blockquote>There is a clear need to modernise the Ghana Air Force fleet. We recommend acquiring modern aircraft equipped with terrain avoidance warning systems and advanced navigation systems.</blockquote>

<blockquote>Aircraft should also be fitted with audio-visual cockpit voice recorders and flight data recorders. The Air Force should invest in simulators for recurrent training, engage certified aviation service providers, and develop route navigation aids, particularly in remote areas.</blockquote>

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<blockquote>The Air Force should establish flight data monitoring and route tracking systems. Additionally, ground support equipment must be modernised to enhance operational safety.</blockquote>

The helicopter crash occurred on Wednesday, August 6, as government officials were en route to the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP).

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August 6 helicopter crash caused by sudden loss of altitude – Investigative Committee

Ghana’s preparations for the upcoming Kirin Challenge Cup in Japan have suffered a major setback as six senior players have been ruled out of the squad due to injuries and fitness concerns.

Coach Otto Addo will be without several influential members of the team as the Black Stars travel to Asia for friendlies against Japan and South Korea.

According to multiple reports, the absentees were withdrawn following consultations between their clubs and the national team’s medical staff.

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<h2>1. Mohammed Kudus</h2>

Kudus has withdrawn from the Asia tour after sustaining a knock that kept him out of his club’s last two matches. The decision was taken jointly by the national team management and his club to allow him time to recover and avoid aggravating the injury.

<h2>2. Thomas Partey</h2>

Partey will also miss the friendlies due to persistent injury concerns. Reports indicate that the decision was made to prioritise his rehabilitation and ensure his fitness for upcoming competitive fixtures.

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<h2>3. Alexander Djiku</h2>

Alexander Djiku playing for Ghana at the 2022 World Cup (Shuttershock)

Djiku has been withdrawn from the squad after suffering a series of injuries in recent weeks. Earlier reports mentioned a thigh strain, but the latest updates confirm that his exclusion was agreed upon by his club and the national medical team to aid full recovery.

<h2>4. Fatawu Issahaku</h2>

Fatawu Issahaku calls on Ghanaians to back Black Stars in upcoming World Cup matches

Issahaku will not feature in the upcoming friendlies after his club decided against releasing him for national duty. The move is understood to be a precautionary measure to protect his fitness and prevent further injury.

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<h2>5. Joseph Paintsil</h2>

Paintsil has also been ruled out of the tour. Reports indicate that both his club and the national technical team agreed he should remain with his side to continue treatment for a recent injury.

Captain Jordan Ayew is the final player to withdraw from the squad. A November 11 report confirmed that he is among those ruled out due to recent injuries, with both parties agreeing that rest was the best course of action.

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Ghana will face Japan in the Kirin Challenge Cup on November 14, 2025, at the Toyota Stadium in Aichi, before taking on South Korea on November 18. In light of these absences, Coach Otto Addo is expected to field several new players as he continues to strengthen the squad ahead of future competitions.

6 key Black Stars players to miss upcoming Japan and South Korea friendlies

Renowned US-based Ghanaian lawyer and legal scholar, Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare, popularly known as Kwaku Azar, has criticised the decision by the Minority caucus in Parliament to boycott the vetting of Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.

The Minority, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, staged a walkout during the vetting, claiming that the process breached constitutional provisions due to pending court cases challenging the nomination filed by former Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkonoo.

However, Kwaku Azar argued that while boycotts can awaken consciences, galvanise the public, and expose injustice, the Minority’s decision was not useful.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, November 11, he outlined ten (10) reasons for his stance:

<h2>10 reasons why the NPP’s boycott of CJ vetting was ‘not useful’</h2>

<h3>1. The Minority Silenced Itself</h3>

Vetting is the constitutional forum for asking questions and demanding answers. By walking out, the Minority silenced itself. Answers cannot be obtained from outside the committee room.

<h3>2. The Minority Lost Its Place in the Record:</h3>

Parliamentary vetting is transcribed for history. Future generations will read who asked what and who stood for what. The Minority’s absence leaves a blank space in the national record.

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<h2>3. The Minority Forfeited the Power of the Question</h2>

A single pointed question can reveal more than a week of press statements. By boycotting, the Minority surrendered that power and the opportunity to frame the moral and legal debate.

<h3>4. The Minority Strengthened What It Opposed</h3>

Bernard Ahiafor and Alexander Afenyo-Markin

The process did not stop because of their absence. It continued unchallenged. In politics, vacuums are quickly filled, usually by those one seeks to restrain.

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<h3>5. The Minority Lost the Moral High Ground</h3>

Engagement is harder but nobler than exit. The boycott appeared petulant rather than principled, forfeiting the moral authority that comes from constructive participation.

<h3>6. The Minority Wasted a Constitutional Privilege</h3>

Few democratic tools are as powerful as the right to question a nominee for the nation’s highest judicial office. That opportunity will not return soon, yet it was discarded.

<h3>7. The Minority Undermined Oversight</h3>

Checks and balances work only when both sides show up. The Minority’s absence turned oversight into oversight failure.

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<h3>8. The Minority Ceded the Narrative</h3>

The vetting went on. The Majority asked the questions, the nominee answered, and the public heard one voice. The Minority’s perspective vanished from both the airwaves and the record.

<h3> 9. The Minority Reduced Politics to Symbolism</h3>

Boycotts attract short-term headlines but leave no lasting impact. Substance resides in the debate transcript, not in the empty chair.

<h2>10. The Minority Forgot Who Sent Them There</h2>

Voters elected the caucus to speak on their behalf, not to stay away. Constituents expect presence, diligence, and voice, not absence, neglect, and silence.

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Professor Kwaku Azar’s remarks sparks further debate among political observers, with many agreeing that while symbolic protests have their place, engagement remains a more effective tool in defending constitutional principles.

Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare, also known as Kwaku Azar via Metrotvonline

10 reasons why the NPP’s boycott of CJ vetting was ‘not useful’ – Kwaku Azar explains

Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has explained why he sentenced one of Ghana’s most notorious criminals, Ataa Ayi, born Raymond Ayee Ayeetey, to 70 years imprisonment instead of 30 years.

According to him, the decision was necessary to protect public safety and to ensure that justice reflected the emotional, social, and economic harm suffered by victims.

Responding to questions during his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, 10 November 2025, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie said:

<blockquote>The judges and magistrates are trained and have sentencing guidelines. But sometimes they have to go beyond them. In my youthful days, I gave somebody 70 years – Ataa Ayi.</blockquote>

Chief Justice Nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie

<blockquote>I gave him 70 years. And what I told myself was that if Atta Ayi was given 30 years and he comes back, my family would be the first he would attack. So by the time he comes back after 70 years, I will be dead and gone.</blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">“I sentenced Ataa Ayi to 70 years in prison because I feared he would attack me and my family upon his release if he was given 30 years. And so by the time he comes back after 70 years, I am dead and gone. - Justice Baffoe-Bonnie (Chief Justice Nominee) <a href="https://t.co/T4rjEDZ2Cy">pic.twitter.com/T4rjEDZ2Cy</a>&mdash; EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) <a href="https://twitter.com/eddie_wrt/status/1987938192993943940?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Background: Who is Ataa Ayi?</h2>

Ataa Ayi was one of Ghana’s most feared armed robbers in the early 2000s. A former taxi driver in Adabraka, Accra, he turned to crime after crashing his master’s car and being unable to pay for the repairs. Desperate and out of options, he joined a criminal gang that launched him into a violent career of armed robbery.

In 1999, Ataa Ayi carried out his first major operation, stealing 12 million old cedis with his gang. The success emboldened him, and he went on to orchestrate a series of violent robberies across Accra. His gang trailed victims from banks, hijacked vehicles, and stole cash, cars, and valuables. Their total haul was estimated at about 700 million old cedis, along with numerous vehicles, mobile phones, and jewellery.

Ataa Ayi’s criminal fame grew to such an extent that his face was displayed on billboards nationwide in an unprecedented manhunt. His name became synonymous with armed robbery in Ghana, entering popular vocabulary as a symbol of criminality.

After years on the run, he was finally arrested on 28 February 2005 at his hideout in Teshie-Nungua.

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He was subsequently sentenced to 160 years imprisonment with hard labour and is currently serving his sentence at the Ankaful Maximum Security Prison in Cape Coast.

Why I gave Ataa Ayi 70 years instead of 30 – Chief Justice nominee explains

In a year defined by relentless environmental challenges, 2025 is on course to go down in climate history as either the second or third warmest year ever recorded. This stark projection highlights a decade-long surge in global temperatures driven by both human-induced factors and natural variability.

As world leaders convene for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, the latest data underscores the urgency of reducing emissions and strengthening climate resilience.

Drawing from the <a target="_self" class="editor-link" href="https://wmo.int/news/media-centre/2025-set-be-second-or-third-warmest-year-record-continuing-exceptionally-high-warming-trend">World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO)</a> State of the Global Climate Update 2025, released on 6 November 2025, this report examines the key drivers behind 2025’s exceptional heat, spanning atmospheric, oceanic, and cryospheric systems that are intensifying the planet’s warming.

<h2>Rising Greenhouse Gases: The Core Driver of 2025’s Record Heat</h2>

At the core of 2025’s record temperatures lies the relentless rise in greenhouse gas concentrations, the unseen forces fuelling global warming. Carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane, and nitrous oxide, the main contributors, reached record highs in 2024, with preliminary 2025 data showing even sharper increases.

CO₂ levels, for instance, have soared from around 278 parts per million (ppm) in the pre-industrial era to 423.9 ppm last year, marking a 53% rise. The annual increase between 2023 and 2024 alone was 3.5 ppm, the largest in decades.

These gases act like a thickening blanket, trapping heat in the atmosphere. Without substantial reductions in fossil fuel use, deforestation, and industrial emissions, the warming trend will intensify, making 2025 not an exception but a warning.

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<h2>Earth’s Expanding Heat Reservoir</h2>

The oceans, which absorb over 90% of excess heat from global warming, have also reached unprecedented levels of energy retention. Data for 2025 show a sharp rise in oceanic heat content, surpassing even the records set in 2024. This accumulation fuels more intense tropical storms, damages coral reefs, and weakens the oceans’ capacity to store carbon.

Despite transitioning from the El Niño-driven heat of 2023 and 2024 to neutral and La Niña conditions, global temperatures remained extremely high. Between January and August, the global mean surface temperature stood at 1.42°C above pre-industrial averages, slightly below 2024’s 1.55°C, yet part of a persistent warming streak. From June 2023 to August 2025, nearly every month broke heat records, with only February offering temporary relief.

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<h2>Melting Ice and the Feedback Loop of Warming</h2>

Getty Images/iStockphoto /Thinkstock (MARS)

<a href="undefined" target="_self">Getty Images/iStockphoto /Thinkstock (MARS)</a>

The cryosphere, Earth’s frozen zones, paints an equally troubling picture. Arctic sea ice reached its winter maximum in March at just 13.8 million square kilometres, the smallest extent since satellite records began in 1979. By September, summer ice had shrunk to 4.6 million square kilometres, well below the long-term average.

In the Antarctic, sea ice extents were the third-lowest on record, with February and September marking extreme lows and highs respectively. These losses expose darker ocean surfaces that absorb more sunlight, intensifying warming in a dangerous feedback loop.

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Meanwhile, glaciers worldwide suffered their third consecutive year of mass loss during 2023 and 2024, with the World Glacier Monitoring Service reporting a net balance of -1.3 metres water equivalent, equal to 450 gigatons of ice melted, enough to raise global sea levels by 1.2 millimetres. The rate of sea-level rise has doubled from 2.1 mm per year in the 1990s to 4.1 mm per year by 2025.

<h2>Extreme Weather: When Heat Turns Deadly</h2>

Extreme weather events provided visible proof of the planet’s distress. From floods in Africa and Asia to wildfires in Europe and North America, and heatwaves scorching cities worldwide, these disasters brought immense human and economic losses. Droughts disrupted food systems, while tropical cyclones destroyed infrastructure and livelihoods.

According to the WMO, such events were directly amplified by the same warming forces driving record temperatures.

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“This unprecedented streak of high temperatures makes it clear that it will be virtually impossible to limit global warming to 1.5°C in the next few years without temporarily overshooting this target,” warned WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo. She, however, maintained optimism: “It is still entirely possible and essential to bring temperatures back down to 1.5°C by the end of the century.”

<h2>Global Leaders Respond: The Call from Belém</h2>

At the Belém Climate Summit, UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed this urgency, warning that “each year above 1.5 degrees will hammer economies, deepen inequalities, and inflict irreversible damage.”

The past eleven (11) years, from 2015 to 2025, now rank as the eleven hottest years since records began 176 years ago, with the last three being the hottest trio. The decline in aerosols, tiny particles that previously masked some warming, and the end of the multi-year La Niña phase (2020 to 2023) have further exposed the true extent of warming.

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<h2>Glimmers of Progress Amid the Crisis</h2>

Despite the alarming data, there are signs of progress. The deployment of multi-hazard early warning systems has doubled since 2015, reaching 119 countries by 2024, though about 40% remain underserved.

National meteorological services are increasingly providing climate intelligence to key sectors such as agriculture and energy, with nearly two-thirds now offering advanced tools, up from just 35% five years earlier.

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In the renewable energy sector, climate data is proving vital for managing variability in solar and wind generation, especially as 2024’s heat drove global energy demand 4% above baseline levels, with some African nations recording 30% surges.

As 2025 draws to a close, its status as one of the hottest years on record calls for reflection and decisive action. The WMO’s findings, compiled from six international datasets and the work of global experts, anchor COP30’s discussions in hard science.

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While the full 2025 report is due in March 2026, these early findings sound a clear warning: the window for a liveable planet is rapidly closing. Yet, by cutting emissions, protecting ecosystems, and strengthening adaptation measures, humanity still holds the power to reverse course.

Why 2025 Ranks as One of the Hottest Years in Human History Revealed – All You Must Know

The Minority Caucus in Parliament has walked out of the vetting of Chief Justice Nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, by the Appointments Committee.

According to the Minority, the vetting process constitutes a breach of constitutional provisions, citing pending court cases challenging the nomination filed by former Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkonoo.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin announced the decision after more than two (2) hours of heated exchanges with Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga. The disagreement erupted when Mr Afenyo-Markin, in his opening remarks, referred to Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as a “disputed Chief Justice nominee,” prompting an immediate objection from Mr Ayariga.

The confrontation between the two leaders led to frequent objections and disruptions, forcing the Chairman of the Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, to briefly suspend proceedings for recess. When the session resumed, the Minority Leader reiterated his side’s disapproval of the process and formally announced their decision to boycott the vetting.

<blockquote>The judiciary is not the executive's enforcement arm. It is neither Parliament’s ally in political projects. It is the guardian of our Constitution, the protector of our rights, and the final arbiter of all our laws. Its independence is sacrosanct, its integrity non-negotiable. It is the oracle of justice emanating from the people of Ghana.</blockquote>

<blockquote>Chairman, for all the reasons stated, including the conduct of the Majority Leader and the denial of our opportunity to express our opinion on such an important national issue, we, the Minority Caucus, hereby vote to reject the nominee. We wish to place on record that the Majority may proceed with their questions, but we will not participate further in the vetting.</blockquote>

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Led by Afenyo-Markin, the Minority members subsequently staged a walkout while the committee continued with the vetting process.

Minority rejects CJ nominee Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, stages walkout during vetting

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed strong concerns over Parliament’s decision to proceed with the vetting of Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, describing the move as a breach of constitutional order, the rule of law, and a clear case of conflict of interest.

In a statement dated November 10 and signed by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, the NPP argued that the vetting process should have been suspended pending the resolution of cases filed by former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo.

The party noted that there are seven (7) substantive legal suits currently before the Supreme Court of Ghana, the High Court, and the ECOWAS Court of Justice.

Dismissed Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkonoo.

<blockquote>These suits raise fundamental questions regarding due process, natural justice, and the constitutional protections for judicial office holders. It is a cardinal principle of constitutional governance that where the legitimacy of a foundational state action is directly challenged before a competent court, the political branches must exercise restraint until the judiciary has discharged its constitutional mandate to interpret the law. </blockquote>

The NPP further criticised the administration of President John Mahama for allowing the vetting to proceed, calling it “a pre-emptive assault on the judicial function and a dangerous departure from established constitutional order.”

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The party also highlighted what it described as a conflict of interest involving the nominee. It stated:

<blockquote>Public records indicate that the nominee presided over interlocutory proceedings in Assafuah v. Attorney-General, a case central to determining the status of the Chief Justice’s office and, by extension, his own elevation to the position of Acting Chief Justice.</blockquote>

<blockquote> Furthermore, he was part of the majority on the Supreme Court bench that voted to allow the fundamentally flawed removal process to continue. This situation engages the timeless principle of nemo judex in causa sua — that no person shall be a judge in their own cause. The appearance of a conflict of interest is palpable and undermines public confidence in the impartiality of the judiciary and his stewardship.</blockquote>

President John Mahama and Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Gertrude Torkonoo

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The NPP added that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s acceptance of the nomination to the substantive office, while the legality of the vacancy itself is being contested in multiple courts, reflects “a troubling disregard for the sub judice rule and the principle that courts, not political actors, must resolve justiciable disputes.”

Concluding its statement, the party reiterated its respect for the executive’s role in appointing high judicial officers but called on all citizens “who cherish democracy and the rule of law to stand in defence of our Constitution.”

CJ Vetting: NPP raises alarm over constitutional breach and conflict of interest

The National Youth Wing of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has renewed its call on President John Mahama to declare a state of emergency over the growing menace of illegal mining (galamsey) across the country.

In a statement dated Monday, 10 November 2025, the National Youth Organiser, Salam Mustapha, cited the recent attack on Prof Nana Ama Klutse, Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), and her team during an anti-galamsey operation near Obuasi in the Ashanti Region, as a clear sign of worsening insecurity in mining areas.

Raising alarm over what he described as a developing national security threat, Mr Mustapha urged President Mahama to take immediate and decisive action to halt “the growing danger”.

<blockquote>Mr President, if you have ever needed a definite reason to declare a state of emergency to quell the growing danger, then you have it now. There has never been such bold audacity shown by these galamseyers as this particular action. The fact that these guys are more heavily armed with better weapons than the security services is even more worrying.</blockquote>

National Youth Organiser of the NPP, Salam Mustapha

<blockquote>Furthermore, the National Security Secretariat, which should mobilise and neutralise these guys, was rather directing the EPA boss and her team to flee. Mr President, they ran with their tails between their legs and sadly were involved in a ghastly accident.</blockquote>

Mr Mustapha further emphasised the potential national security implications of such incidents, drawing parallels with other countries.

<blockquote>The threat to national security cannot be overemphasised. This is how guerrilla wars begin, with many examples around the world, such as the armed groups around Rivers State in Nigeria, which are oil-related. Therefore, this matter cannot be swept under the carpet and treated as business as usual. The consequences are too dire.</blockquote>

Meanwhile, President Mahama, speaking at a meeting with major Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Friday, 3 October 2025, stated that he would not hesitate to declare a state of emergency in mining communities if advised to do so by the National Security Council as part of the ongoing fight against illegal mining.

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The President explained that while he holds the constitutional authority to declare such an emergency, the council has not yet deemed it necessary. He reaffirmed his belief that the battle against galamsey can be won through sustainable and collaborative strategies rather than extreme measures.

‘Declare a state of emergency on galamsey now’ – NPP Youth Wing urges Pres. Mahama

The Appointments Committee of Parliament is set to vet Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, the nominee for Chief Justice, later this morning, Monday, 10 November 2025, at Parliament House in Accra.

The vetting session, which is strictly by invitation, is scheduled to commence at 11:00 a.m..

This development follows strong opposition from the Minority Caucus, which had earlier petitioned the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to suspend the vetting until all court cases filed by former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo are resolved.

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin

However, addressing Parliament on Friday, 7 November, Speaker Bagbin dismissed the petition, ruling that there was no constitutional or procedural basis to suspend the vetting process due to pending court matters.

He further explained that accepting such an argument would set a dangerous precedent:

<blockquote>Should I accept that argument, it would mean that any litigant could hold Parliament hostage by filing a case and freezing the work of Parliament and its committees. The motion is inadmissible and has been returned to the sponsor, the Minority Leader, Honourable Alexander Afenyo-Markin.</blockquote>

Alexander Afenyo-Markin via facebook.com/AfenyoMarkin/photos

Despite the ruling, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin insisted that his side would not support any move to vet the nominee while court proceedings remain unresolved.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, who currently serves as Acting Chief Justice, was nominated by President John Dramani Mahama on 23 September 2025 in accordance with Article 144(1) of the 1992 Constitution, following consultations with the Council of State.

Meanwhile, former Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkonoo is seeking to halt the consideration and appointment of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as Ghana’s next Chief Justice.

Her legal team, led by lawyer Kwabena Adu-Kusi, filed an application on Thursday, 16 October 2025, challenging the legality of her removal from office. Justice Torkonoo contends that her dismissal, based on the findings and recommendations of a committee established by the President under Article 146(6) and (7) of the Constitution, was unconstitutional.

She further argues that the five-member committee, chaired by Justice Gabriel Pwamang, relied on false and misleading findings. In excerpts from the 278-page application, she describes the committee’s conclusions as “irrational, absurd, and perverse in the Wednesbury sense.”

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Justice Torkonoo also maintains that the committee’s proceedings breached several constitutional provisions, including Articles 23, 296, 146(3), 146(7), 280(1), and 295, rendering the entire process illegal, void, and of no effect.

Appointments Committee to vet Chief Justice nominee today despite Minority’s protest

The Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has announced that the report on the August 6 Z-9 military helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom will be made public on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

In a social media post, Mr Kwakye Ofosu revealed that the report will first be presented to the National Security Council on Monday, November 10, before being released to the public during a press briefing the following day.

It will be recalled that in a statement dated Monday, August 25, the Acting Minister of Defence, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, confirmed that the Investigation Board, established by President John Dramani Mahama to probe the tragic crash, had commenced its work with a directive to complete it within 30 days.

The board, chaired by the National Security Coordinator, included members from the Ghana Air Force and the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The investigation was conducted with guidance and technical assistance from the United States Air Force, whose investigators supported the process under the framework of international cooperation.

Maxwell Nyagamago

Articles written by the author

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