Hopeson Adorye, Director of Field Operations for the United Party (UP), has condemned the Minority in Parliament for boycotting a courtesy visit by Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.
Adorye described the walkout as a “diversionary tactic” aimed at distracting the public from internal party tensions and allegations ahead of the NPP presidential primaries scheduled for January 31.
He suggested that the boycott was a deliberate smokescreen, pointing to ongoing infighting within the NPP as the underlying reason. “I would term it as a diversionary tactic ahead of Saturday’s programme. You know, accusations, counter-accusations, and the rest. They just want to divert attention by bringing up these issues,” Adorye said.
While Adorye dismissed the walkout as a political gimmick, the Minority has maintained that their refusal to meet Justice Baffoe-Bonnie is a “matter of principle” related to concerns about the constitutionality of his appointment process.
Three Arms of Government Must Coexist
Adorye argued that visits between the heads of government institutions are a standard part of democratic practice. He described the Minority’s questioning of the Chief Justice’s motives as an attempt to politicise what he called a routine administrative engagement.
“Viewers, we have three arms of government. If the leader of one arm can visit other institutions without issue, why is it a problem when the Chief Justice does the same? Asking whether he is on a thank-you tour is irrelevant. It’s unfortunate that they boycotted this visit,” he stated.
The boycott follows a period of tension in Parliament. Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, sworn in on November 17, 2025, after nomination by President John Mahama, has faced sustained opposition from minority lawmakers. They previously walked out during his vetting, citing “procedural irregularities” and pending legal challenges concerning his predecessor’s removal.
Nation-Building Over Partisanship
Adorye expressed frustration with the current parliamentary climate, stressing that lawmakers should focus on governance rather than political obstruction.
“The behaviour of the Minority is becoming unbecoming. We don’t need this attitude. This is a time for nation-building. We are not yet in a political campaign period. We are in the second year after the last elections. So why can’t you help us build the nation?” he questioned.
