Accra: President John Dramani Mahama on Monday swore-in Mr. Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the 16th Chief Justice of Ghana. The inauguration is in line with Article 144 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
According to Ghana News Agency, prior to his inauguration, Mr. Baffoe-Bonnie, who is the most senior Supreme Court Justice, served as the Acting Chief Justice for the past seven months. This followed the suspension and subsequent removal from office of Lady Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, based on the recommendations of the Justice Gabriel Pwamang Committee.
The President stated that the ceremony marked a significant milestone and reaffirmed their collective dedication to constitutionalism, the rule of law, and the independence of the judiciary as an equal branch of government. He emphasized the role of the Chief Justice as not only the head of the judiciary but also the symbol and guarantor of justice for the people.
President Mahama highlighted that the Constitution enshrined the principle that the courts, as outlined in Article 125, shall administer justice in the name of the Republic of Ghana, guided by the principles of freedom, equality, probity, and accountability. He remarked on the importance of judicial independence and the separation of powers, asserting that the strength of democracy depends on a delicate yet essential balance of powers among the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary.
The President reiterated that while each branch of Government is supposed to operate independently, they must collaborate to serve the common good. He expressed confidence that under Mr. Baffoe-Bonnie's leadership, the judiciary will continue to uphold its constitutional mandate without fear or favor.
President Mahama acknowledged that in recent years, public institutions worldwide have been scrutinized and sometimes criticized. He stressed the importance of institutions that work and can be trusted, particularly the judiciary, which must be above reproach. The President noted that a single act of corruption by a judicial officer could undermine years of hard work and erode public confidence in the entire system.
He urged the new Chief Justice to strengthen integrity within the judiciary, which includes firm but fair disciplinary standards for judges and staff, transparent and predictable procedures for case assignments and management. Additionally, he called for strong internal mechanisms to address allegations of misconduct and a culture where ethical conduct is rewarded, and wrongdoing is swiftly sanctioned.
Mr. Justice Baffoe-Bonnie expressed his gratitude to the President for the privilege to serve as Chief Justice. He pledged to uphold the rule of law, respect the separation of powers, and protect the constitution. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.