The President of the Ghana Bar Association, Efua Ghartey, has expressed the Bar’s displeasure over Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie’s comments during a visit on State-Owned Enterprises.
According to Mrs. Ghartey, while the Association is unwilling to conclude that the Chief Justice’s statement reveals his true position, the comments have nevertheless generated unease within the legal fraternity.
Speaking at the Opening ceremony of the 2026/2027 Bar Conference at Ada in the Greater Accra Region, Mrs Ghartey invoked scripture to convey her message.
“We do not want to believe that what happened is a fulfilment of Matthew 12:34 which says, ‘Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh,’” she remarked.
She further took issue with the rejoinder issued by the Judicial Service which sought to clarify or justify the Chief Justice’s remarks.
In her view, the explanation failed to adequately address the issues raised by the Bar.
“With respect, the Judicial Secretary’s attempt to defend the Chief Justice was, at best, lacklustre,” she noted.
Mrs. Ghartey emphasized that the GBA’s concerns should not be misinterpreted as an effort to weaken the Judiciary or interfere with its independence.
She reiterated the Bar’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the independence of the Judiciary as enshrined in the 1992 Constitution.
She however cautioned that the defence of judicial independence must be exercised alongside adherence to the constitutional boundaries that regulate public office holders.
Citing Article 128(4) of the 1992 Constitution which secures the independence of the Judiciary, she said the Bar remains dedicated to upholding that provision.
“The Bar wishes to remind all that while it is committed to protecting the independence of the Judiciary, as per Article 128(4) of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, those who are guarded must remain within the confines of their constitutional mandate,” she stated.
Mrs. Ghartey maintained that individuals vested with constitutional duties must operate strictly within the limits of their offices.
She added that protecting judicial independence does not place constitutional office holders above scrutiny, nor does it absolve them of the duty to conduct themselves within their defined constitutional limits.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
