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Introduction
Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has nominated Supreme Court Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the substantive head of the country’s Judiciary.
The government spokesperson, Felix Kwakye-Ofosu, tweeted the appointment on September 23, 2025.
“New Chief Justice named,” Felix said in the X post.
Until his nomination, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie was the acting Chief Justice of the country following Justice Gertrude Araba Torkornoo’s suspension and dismissal for stated misbehaviour.
Appointment of Chief Justice
Article 144(1) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution mandates that the President appoint the Chief Justice after consulting with the Council of State and with the approval of Parliament.
DUBAWA’s sources revealed that President Mahama, satisfied with the Constitution, forwarded the nomination letter to Parliament.
If approved, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie will become Ghana’s 28th Chief Justice, the 24th male occupant of the office since 1876, and the 9th under the Fourth Republic (1992 – present).
A screenshot of the Chief Justices of Ghana since 1876.
The Role of the Chief Justice in Ghana
The Chief Justice of Ghana is the head of the Judiciary, the third arm of government, entrusted with the country’s judicial power.
As the head of the Judiciary, the Chief Justice is responsible for its administration and supervision, as provided for in Article 125(4) of the country’s 1992 Constitution.
The Chief Justice presides over Supreme Court sittings; in his absence, the most senior Justice will preside. He is also a member of all the courts, from lower to superior.
The Chief Justice is also responsible for empanelling Supreme Court Justices and panel members of lower courts or tribunals, except for the person presiding.
Similarly, the Chief Justice chairs the Judicial Council, which is tasked with judicial reforms and discussions about the welfare and progress of the Judiciary, as provided for in Articles 153 and 154 of the 1992 Constitution.
Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie’s Background
Justice Paul Kwadwo Baffoe-Bonnie, born Dec. 26, 1956, in Goaso, Ahafo Region, is a distinguished Ghanaian jurist with more than three decades of service in the country’s judiciary.
Before his judicial appointments, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie worked in private legal practice and served in other public sector roles. He was called to the bar in 1983. Throughout his early years, he taught at a grammar school in Nigeria, served with the Internal Revenue Service as a Principal Inspector of Taxes, and held the position of Deputy Superintendent of Prisons.
He began his judicial career as a Circuit Court Judge in Kumasi and later served as a High Court Judge at Duayaw Nkwanta. In 2006, he was elevated to the Court of Appeal, and in June 2008, President John Agyekum Kufuor appointed him as a Justice of the Supreme Court.
Notably, in 2013, Justice Paul sat on the panel of Supreme Court judges adjudicating the landmark 2012 presidential election petition. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) sought to annul approximately four million votes due to alleged irregularities. The Court ultimately dismissed the petition and upheld the election results.
Leadership and Key Contributions
- Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has held several leadership positions within Ghana’s judiciary, including chairing committees responsible for disciplinary matters and electoral adjudication.
- He has also produced major reference works, such as editions of Ghana’s Manual on Election Adjudication, most recently a three-volume edition in 2024.
- Additionally, he has participated in training judges and magistrates nationwide on election law and related judicial practices.
International and Professional Presence
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has participated in major international judicial forums, including those organised under ECOWAS, the Commonwealth, and the World Conference of Chief Justices. Domestically, he is well-respected across the Bench and Bar.
Personal Details
He is married to Patience Baffoe-Bonnie and reportedly fluent in English and Twi. He is interested in walking, music, and football outside the judicial chamber.
Patience is the Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service following her appointment by President Mahama on Mar. 14, 2025.
Conclusion
If confirmed, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie will assume leadership of Ghana’s judiciary at a critical juncture, bringing an extensive service record, a reputation for integrity, and deep experience in judicial decision-making and administration.
