Ghana's new Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie outlines vision for judiciary

Newly sworn-in chief justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has pledged to safeguard the Constitution, protect judicial independence, and pursue reforms aimed at strengthening Ghana’s justice system.

During his swearing-in ceremony on Monday, November 17, 2025, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie vowed to approach the office with integrity and respect for democratic principles.

“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 stressed that judicial independence must operate alongside transparency and responsibility.

“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.

“Our judiciary must be independent, impartial, and accessible. It must not serve the powerful or the connected at the expense of the weak and vulnerable. It must resist any incursions on its freedoms but also embrace accountability, transparency, and continuous reform,” he said.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie pointed out the judiciary’s role in preserving citizens’ hopes.

“Every litigant who enters a courtroom brings not only a case but also hope that justice will be done. I accept the responsibility of preserving that hope,” he stated, urging all stakeholders, lawyers, litigants, civil society, and the public to collaborate in building a judiciary worthy of public confidence.

He also emphasized reforms in legal education, calling for a shift from exclusion to inclusion, from rote learning to critical thinking, and from credentialism to competence.

President Mahama officially swears in Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Ghana's Chief Justice

“The future of the bar is the future of the bench. Working with the General Legal Council, the Ghana School of Law, and law faculties, we shall pursue a model that ensures opportunity without compromising quality,” he said.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie also described a judiciary where judges are independent yet humble, fearless yet fair, and learned yet compassionate.

“My vision for the judiciary is that of a service-oriented institution, with courts that are efficient, transparent, and respectful of all persons; judges and staff who uphold high ethical standards, treat litigants with dignity, and apply the law without fear or favour. A judiciary that works not for political ends but for the cause of justice,” he noted.

LIVESTREAMED: Vetting of Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice nominee

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has served as acting Chief Justice for the past seven months following the removal Gertrude Torkornoo, based on the recommendations of the Justice Gabriel Pwamang Committee.

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