Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie Nominated as Chief Justice
The Presidency has formally announced the nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the next Chief Justice of Ghana. The announcement, issued on Tuesday and signed by the Spokesperson on Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, stated that President John Dramani Mahama has, in line with Article 144(1) of the 1992 Constitution, forwarded Baffoe-Bonnie’s name to the Council of State for consideration.
The statement highlighted Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s “diligence and integrity” throughout his judicial career at the High Court, Court of Appeal, and currently the Supreme Court. It further described his wealth of experience and long service on the Bench as making him eminently qualified to occupy the highest office of the judiciary. He has been serving as Acting Chief Justice since April 22, 2025.
The nomination follows the removal of Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo as Chief Justice earlier this month after an investigative committee found her guilty of stated misbehaviour.
Justice Torkornoo, who had been suspended in April, faced allegations including financial impropriety in authorizing travel expenses and administrative breaches in judicial appointments and staff transfers. Despite challenging the process in Ghana’s Supreme Court and at the ECOWAS Court of Justice, the committee concluded she had violated constitutional standards, paving the way for her removal under Article 146 of the Constitution.
President Mahama’s nomination of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie is expected to restore stability at the helm of the judiciary after months of uncertainty. The Presidency’s statement underscored his “unwavering commitment to justice” and noted that he enjoys the respect of the Bench, the Bar, and the wider legal fraternity.
The Council of State will now consider the President’s nomination before it is formally laid before Parliament for approval.
