President John Dramani Mahama has nominated Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.
The development follows the removal of Justice Gertrude Araba Torkornoo as Chief Justice in accordance with article 146 of the constitution for stated misbehavior.
According to a statement issued by the Presidency the nomination of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie was made in line with Article 144(1) of the 1992 Constitution.
The name of Baffoe-Bonnie has been forwarded to the Council of State for consideration.
“Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has, throughout his distinguished judicial career, served with diligence and integrity at the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and currently, the Supreme Court,” the statement noted. It added that his “invaluable contributions to the development of Ghanaian jurisprudence” and “unwavering commitment to justice” made him eminently qualified for the position.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has been serving as Acting Chief Justice since April 22, 2025, following the suspension of Justice Torkornoo. If approved, he will formally take over the role, becoming the head of the judiciary.
Justice Torkornoo has described the process as a violation of natural justice and has pursued several legal challenges, including cases at the Supreme Court, High Court, and the ECOWAS Court of Justice. While the Ghanaian courts dismissed her applications, her case at the sub-regional court is still pending.
Justice Torkornoo has subsequently returned to High Court challenging her removal as a justice of the Supreme Court by the President as well in addition to she losing her job as Chief Justice.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie is set to face Parliament’s Appointments Committee before officially taking office if approved. Though the vetting process is expected to be interesting, there is no doubt Justice Baffoe-Bonnie will sail through parliament given the governing NDC’s overwhelming numbers.
