ACCRA — President John Dramani Mahama has nominated Supreme Court Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the Chief Justice of Ghana, succeeding Gertrude Torkornoo whose removal earlier this month sparked legal challenges and debates over judicial independence. The nomination, announced in a statement from the Presidency on Tuesday 23rd of September, 2025, follows consultations under Article 144(1) of the 1992 Constitution and has been forwarded to the Council of State for advice, paving the way for parliamentary approval.
“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 read, praising his “invaluable contributions to the development of Ghanaian jurisprudence” and “unwavering commitment to justice.” Born on December 26, 1956, in Goaso, Baffoe-Bonnie was called to the Bar in 1983 after studying at the University of Ghana and Ghana Law School. His career spans private practice, teaching in Nigeria, roles at the Internal Revenue Service and Prisons Service, and key judicial positions, including Circuit Court Judge, High Court Judge (1995), Court of Appeal Justice (2004), and Supreme Court Justice since 2008. He has led committees on electoral laws and human rights, notably contributing to Ghana’s jurisprudence on election disputes, such as the 2012 presidential petition.
Baffoe-Bonnie has served as Acting Chief Justice since April 22, 2025, following Torkornoo’s suspension amid petitions alleging misconduct, including procedural irregularities and bias. A constitutional committee under Article 146 recommended her removal on September 1, 2025, which Mahama acted upon, citing “grounds of misbehaviour.” Torkornoo, Ghana’s second female Chief Justice appointed in 2023 by former President Nana Akufo-Addo, challenged her ouster in court, arguing it did not extend to her Supreme Court seat—a case IMANI Africa’s Kofi Bentil called “legitimate” for clarifying constitutional ambiguities. Her dismissal marks the second such removal in Ghana’s history, raising concerns over executive influence on the judiciary.
Find the statement from the presidency below.
