President John Dramani Mahama on Monday, November 17, 2025, swore Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie into office as the new Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana.
The ceremony, held at the Jubilee House, follows Parliament’s approval of his nomination last week and fills the vacancy created by the dismissal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo.
The event drew high-ranking dignitaries, including the Vice President, members of the Council of State, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, parliamentary leadership, Supreme Court justices, and the new Chief Justice’s family.
In his address, President Mahama praised Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s extensive judicial experience and unwavering commitment to the rule of law. He urged the new Chief Justice to prioritise judicial independence and accelerate the delivery of justice across the country.
Upon taking the official oaths, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie outlined his vision for the Judiciary, anchored on comprehensive institutional reform and a renewed commitment to constitutional governance.
Vows to Uphold Rule of Law
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie assured Ghanaians that he would safeguard the independence of the Judiciary and protect the Constitution throughout his tenure.
“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,” he declared.
He emphasised the importance of judicial independence, noting, “I will respect the independence of every judge and ensure that the Judiciary remains free from improper influence. I will also insist on accountability because independence without responsibility risks entitlement and erosion of public trust.”
The Chief Justice further called for high ethical standards across the courts, stating that judges and court staff must treat all litigants with fairness.
“The title ‘judge’ is not a privilege but a public service,” he said, adding that the Judiciary must never forget the hope carried by those who seek justice.
He urged lawyers, civil society, litigants, and the broader public to collaborate in building a judicial system worthy of public confidence.
Legal Education Reform
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie also addressed longstanding concerns about legal education, describing reform as both urgent and unavoidable.
“The future of the bar is the future of the bench. We must move from exclusion to inclusion, from rote learning to critical thinking, and from credentialism to competence,” he said.
He pledged to work with the General Legal Council, the Ghana School of Law, and academic institutions to expand opportunities without compromising standards.
“Our goal is not merely to produce more lawyers, but better lawyers—disciplined, ethical, and devoted to the cause of justice.”
A Distinguished Career
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s elevation crowns a long and distinguished judicial journey. Educated at the University of Ghana School of Law, he later earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Constitutional Theory from Oxford University. He is widely respected as a constitutional law scholar and an incisive jurist.
Career Highlights:
High Court appointment: 1993
Court of Appeal: 2005
Supreme Court: 2012
Authored 87 majority opinions, with significant contributions to land dispute jurisprudence and electoral petition cases.
His appointment is expected to bring stability to the Judiciary, strengthening institutional integrity and ensuring timely, accessible justice for all.
