President John Dramani Mahama has officially sworn in Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Ghana’s 16th Chief Justice at a ceremony held on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the Jubilee House in Accra.
This follows Parliament’s approval on November 13, where his nomination secured 163 votes in favour and 69 against. He had earlier appeared before the Appointments Committee on November 10, pledging open-door, bipartisan leadership and a renewed focus on strengthening judicial independence and expanding access to justice.
President Mahama nominated him on September 23, 2025, citing his extensive judicial career spanning the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court. He has also served as Acting Chief Justice since April 22, 2025, following the suspension and subsequent dismissal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
Addressing the gathering at the swearing-in ceremony, President Mahama described the moment as “a solemn and historic one,” noting that the ceremony reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law.
“On behalf of the government and people of Ghana, I wish to extend warm congratulations to you, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, on your appointment and assumption of this distinguished office,” he said.
The President emphasised the weight of the responsibility that comes with the role. “The Chief Justice is not only the head of the judiciary, but the symbol and guarantor of justice for our people,” he stated.
He reaffirmed his administration’s support for the judiciary, pledging that he commits “to the independence of the judiciary. An independent judiciary is not a favor; it is a constitutional necessity and a protection for every citizen, including the President.”
READ: Chief justice is the symbol and guarantor of justice for Ghanaians – President Mahama
He also tasked the new Chief Justice with strengthening integrity within the judicial system. According to him, “One single act of corruption by a judicial officer can undermine years of hard work and erode public confidence in the entire system.”
President Mahama urged Justice Baffoe-Bonnie to prioritise reducing case backlogs, modernizing court infrastructure, and expanding the use of technology such as e-filing and virtual hearings. He stressed that justice must be accessible and timely for all citizens, especially the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie now assumes full responsibilities as Chief Justice, taking charge of the Judicial Council, presiding over the Supreme Court, and steering reforms aimed at deepening public trust in Ghana’s justice system.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
