CJ Baffoe-Bonnie with President John Mahama and Vice President Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang
President John Mahama yesterday swore in Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Ghana’s Chief Justice, becoming the 16th person to occupy the highest office in the Judiciary.
The swearing-in ceremony, which took place at the Presidency, followed Parliament’s approval last Thursday, November 13, 2025.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie was nominated by the President on September 23, 2025, following the removal of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office as the Chief Justice on the recommendation of the Justice Gabriel Pwamang Committee that determined a petition against her.
His nomination, vetting and approval were not without controversy, with the Minority in Parliament walking out during the vetting and also voting against his approval.
He was eventually approved by 163 votes in his favour and 69 against, leading to his swearing-in yesterday.
President Mahama, in an address, reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding the independence of the Judiciary, noting it is a constitutional necessity.
“The strength of our democracy depends on the delicate yet essential balance of powers among the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary. Today as President, I pledge my unwavering commitment to the independence of the Judiciary,” he said.
The President urged the new Chief Justice to ensure that justice delivery in the country is not tilted in favour of the rich, but rather must be applied equally to all, irrespective of wealth, creed or association.
“I trust that under your stewardship, the Judiciary will [ensure] the protection of human rights and civil liberties and that the Judiciary will ensure that justice is not tilted in favour of the wealthy or powerful,” the President said.
President Mahama also urged the Chief Justice to empower specialised courts and divisions to deal effectively with issues such as environmental protection, commercial disputes, corruption, land disputes and family welfare.
He further called on the Chief Justice to promote alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in the court systems, especially in dealing with community and family-related matters.
“Justice must not be an abstract principle confined to law books. It must be seen, felt, and experienced in the daily life of our people,” the President urged.
The President also urged the Chief Justice to strengthen the Judicial Training Institute to make it a centre of excellence for continuing legal education, to ensure that members of the Judiciary remain well-equipped to deliver justice efficiently and impartially.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, on his part, reiterated the need for the Judiciary to remain independent and free from political control.
“Our Judiciary must be independent, impartial, and accessible. It must not serve the powerful or the connected at the expense of the weak and the vulnerable. It must resist any incursions on its freedoms but also embrace accountability, transparency, and continuous reform,” he said.
He pledged to uphold the rule of law and respect the separation of powers as Ghana’s Chief Justice.
“Mr. President, in accepting this office, I give my solemn word that I will uphold the rule of law. Respect the separation of powers and protect the Constitution. I will respect the independence of every judge and ensure that the Judiciary remains free from improper influence. I will also insist on accountability,” he stated.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie was born on December 26, 1956 and was called to the Bar in 1981. He worked as a Circuit Court judge in Kumasi and served as a High Court judge at Duayaw Nkwanta.
He was later appointed to the Court of Appeal in 2006 and subsequently appointed to the Supreme Court in June 2008 by former President John Agyekum Kufuor.
Prior to 1992, he worked as a Principal Inspector of Taxes, and Head of Legal Eastern and Volta Regions at the IRS.
He would serve as substantive Chief Justice for just a little over a year, as he would attain the mandatory retirement age of 70 on December 26, 2026.
BY Gibril Abdul Razak