The Young Executive Forum UK (YEF UK) has cautioned Ghana’s Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, that comparing the achievements of the current government with those of its predecessor is the language of politicians, not the judiciary.
In a statement issued on 4 September 2026, YEF UK expressed concern over reported remarks made by the Chief Justice during a working visit to the Minerals Income Investment Fund on 2 September 2026. The organisation highlighted two elements of the comments: the Chief Justice’s reported expression of support for the President’s agenda and his comparison of the current administration’s record with the previous eight years.
YEF UK stressed that it is not alleging a breach of the Constitution. Its concern is whether such remarks are consistent with the restraint and political neutrality expected of the head of Ghana’s Judiciary.
“Comparing the achievements of the current government with those of its predecessor is ordinarily the language of political parties, ministers and political commentators,” the statement said. “The issue, therefore, is not whether the current government has performed well or whether the previous government performed poorly. Those are legitimate subjects for political debate. Our concern is that the Chief Justice should not appear to take part in that debate.”
The group pointed to the 1992 Constitution, noting that Article 125 recognises the Judiciary as an independent arm of government, while Article 127 protects it from control or direction in the exercise of judicial power. That independence, YEF UK argued, must also be protected in the public arena.
It further referenced the Judiciary’s Code of Conduct for Judges and Magistrates, which requires judges to promote public confidence in the independence, integrity and impartiality of the Judiciary and to avoid both impropriety and the appearance of impropriety. The Code also cautions against partisan political activity and conduct that could reasonably create the impression of political involvement.
YEF UK made clear it is not questioning the Chief Justice’s personal political views, motives or any decisions in cases before the courts. Every citizen is entitled to personal opinions. The concern centres specifically on the reported public comments and the impression they may create.
“When the head of the Judiciary publicly expresses support for the agenda of a sitting government, the statement can easily be understood as political endorsement,” the organisation noted.
While acknowledging that the Chief Justice must engage with the Executive and other state institutions as part of his responsibilities, YEF UK said such engagements should not create unnecessary doubts about the political neutrality of the Judiciary.
At a time when public confidence in Ghana’s institutions is particularly important, the statement added, the Judiciary should be especially careful to remain above partisan political debate.
YEF UK therefore called on the Chief Justice to exercise greater restraint in public engagements and to ensure his comments do not create the impression that the Judiciary is taking sides in political matters.
“The Judiciary must remain above the political contest,” the statement concluded.
The release was signed by Jibril Salifu, Communications Officer, on behalf of YEF UK’s Communications, Media & Digital Innovation Committee.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
