President John Dramani Mahama on Monday november 17, 2025 swore in Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the 16th Chief Justice of Ghana, marking a new chapter for the country’s judiciary. The ceremony, conducted in accordance with Article 144 of the 1992 Constitution, formalised the appointment of the most senior Supreme Court Justice to the nation’s highest judicial office.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie had served as Acting Chief Justice for the past seven months following the suspension and subsequent removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo. Her dismissal was based on recommendations from a committee chaired by Justice Gabriel Pwamang.
Speaking at the inauguration, President Mahama described the moment as a significant milestone that reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to constitutional rule, judicial independence, and the balance of powers.
“The Chief Justice is not only the head of the judiciary; he is also the symbol and guarantor of justice for our people,” the President said. He noted that under Article 125, the courts are mandated to administer justice guided by the principles of freedom, equality, probity, and accountability—values the new Chief Justice is expected to safeguard.
President Mahama underscored the importance of separation of powers, stressing that while the executive, legislature and judiciary operate independently, they must collaborate in pursuit of the national interest. He expressed confidence that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie would lead the judiciary to uphold its constitutional responsibilities “without fear or favour, affection or ill will.”
The President also highlighted public concerns about institutional credibility, noting that citizens increasingly demand trustworthy and accountable governance systems. The judiciary, he said, must remain “above reproach.”
“One act of corruption by a judicial officer can undermine years of progress and erode public confidence,” President Mahama cautioned. He charged the new Chief Justice to prioritise strengthening integrity within the judiciary by enforcing fair but firm disciplinary measures, ensuring transparent case management, and reinforcing mechanisms to address misconduct.
“Our citizens must know and feel that justice in Ghana is not for sale,” he emphasised. “No one, regardless of power or status, is beyond accountability under the law.”
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, in his acceptance remarks, thanked the President for the opportunity to serve and pledged his unwavering commitment to the Constitution. “I give my solemn word that I will uphold the rule of law, respect the separation of powers, and protect the Constitution,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and other dignitaries from the executive and judicial arms of government.
