President Mahama swears in Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as new Chief Justice

Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has been formally sworn in as Ghana’s new Chief Justice by President John Dramani Mahama.

His nomination was approved by Parliament earlier this month, and the event took place on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the Jubilee House in Accra.

On September 23, 2025, President Mahama nominated Justice Baffoe-Bonnie in honor of his vast experience and lengthy tenure at the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and High Court.

Since April 22, 2025, he has been the acting chief justice following Justice Gertrude Torkornoo’s suspension and eventual removal.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie made an appearance before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on November 10 before to his confirmation, where he emphasized his dedication to bolstering judicial independence and expanding access to justice while promising open-door, nonpartisan leadership.

With 163 votes in favor and 69 against, Parliament approved his appointment on November 13, paving the path for today’s formal swearing-in.

As Chief Justice, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie is now fully responsible for overseeing Ghana’s judiciary and maintaining the rule of law.

Profile of the new Chief Justice

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, who has been acting in the role since April 2025 after the suspension of Justice Torkornoo, is currently the most senior judge on Ghana’s Supreme Court.

He was appointed to the apex court in June 2008 by then-President John Agyekum Kufuor.

Born on 26 December 1956, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie had his basic education at Goaso before continuing to Konongo Odumase Secondary School, where he obtained both his Ordinary and Advanced Level certificates.

He studied law at the University of Ghana and later at the Ghana Law School, where he was called to the Bar in 1983.

He rose through the ranks of the judiciary, serving as a Circuit Court Judge in Kumasi, a High Court Judge at Duayaw Nkwanta, and later as an Appeals Court Judge before his elevation to the Supreme Court.

If his nomination is approved, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie will officially take over as head of the Judiciary, steering the institution at a crucial time following the dramatic removal of his predecessor.

The Council of State is expected to advise the President in the coming days, after which Parliament will take up the nomination for vetting and approval.

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com/Louis Gyamerah