President John Dramani Mahama has officially sworn in Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the new Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana.
The ceremony, held on Monday, November 17, 2025 at the seat of government, saw the newly appointed Chief Justice undertake the Judicial Oath, Oath of Allegiance, and Oath of Secrecy, followed by the presentation of his Instrument of Appointment.
Delivering his address, President Mahama charged the new Chief Justice to work closely with the Judicial Council and the Ghana Bar Association to fast-track justice delivery, especially by reducing the growing backlog of cases across the courts. He stressed the importance of innovative case-management systems that promote efficiency and accessibility.
President Mahama Calls for Modern and Inclusive Courts
President Mahama emphasized the need for an accelerated modernization of Ghana’s court infrastructure, particularly in under-served districts. He urged the Judiciary to fully embrace technology, including e-filing, virtual court sittings and digital recording systems to improve transparency and reduce delays.
He noted that simplified procedures were essential in areas such as small claims, family matters, labour disputes, and juvenile cases, ensuring that ordinary citizens are not disadvantaged by technical legal processes.
“As government, we recognize our responsibility to provide adequate resources to support these reforms. We will work with your office to ensure the Judiciary is adequately equipped to deliver justice in a modern and efficient manner,” the President assured.
Mahama Reaffirms Commitment to Judicial Independence
President Mahama reiterated his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the independence of the Judiciary, describing it as a constitutional necessity and a fundamental protection for every citizen—including the President himself.
He noted that Ghana’s democracy relies on a balanced and independent relationship between the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary. “I am confident that under your leadership, the Judiciary will continue to uphold its constitutional mandate without fear, favour, affection or ill will,” he stated.
Four Urgent Priorities for the New Chief Justice
President Mahama highlighted four key areas requiring immediate attention under Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s leadership:
- Strengthening integrity within the Judiciary, including strict but fair disciplinary measures.
- Transparent and predictable case assignment and management procedures.
- Efficient internal systems to address allegations of judicial misconduct.
- A culture that rewards ethical behaviour and swiftly sanctions wrongdoing.
The President stressed that Ghanaians must trust that justice cannot be bought, and that no individual, powerful or otherwise, is above the law.
Parliamentary Approval Amid Tensions
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s appointment was approved by Parliament on Thursday, November 13 after a head count that recorded 163 Majority votes and 69 Minority votes. The process followed intense debate, with the Minority calling for a secret ballot and raising concerns over the government’s unpublished prima facie case against suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin argued that the lack of transparency regarding Justice Torkornoo’s suspension made it impossible for the Minority caucus to support the nomination.
A Chief Justice Stepping Into a Challenging Role
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, who has served as acting Chief Justice since April following Torkornoo’s suspension, acknowledged during his vetting that public skepticism and institutional fatigue present significant challenges. He pledged to restore public confidence and strengthen judicial accountability.
His tenure officially begins at a time when the Judiciary faces growing demands for fairness, transparency, and modernization.
