President John Dramani Mahama has officially nominated Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the country’s next Chief Justice, following the removal of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office.
The nomination has been formally referred to the Council of State for advice, after which Parliament will conduct a vetting and approval process.
In a statement issued by the Presidency, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie was described as a distinguished jurist who has “served with diligence and integrity” and made “invaluable contributions to the development of Ghanaian jurisprudence.”
According to the statement, he commands respect across the Bench, the Bar, and the broader legal fraternity for his intellect, impartiality, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has been acting in the role since April 2025, following the suspension of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. His nomination comes after her eventual dismissal on grounds of stated misbehavior, based on findings by a constitutional committee established under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
Born on 26 December 1956, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie began his early education in Goaso before proceeding 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 attended the Ghana School of Law, where he was called to the Bar in 1983.
Over the course of his career, he has risen steadily through the ranks of Ghana’s judiciary. He first served as a Circuit Court Judge in Kumasi, later as a High Court Judge in Duayaw Nkwanta, and subsequently as a Court of Appeal Judge. In June 2008, he was elevated to the Supreme Court by former President John Agyekum Kufuor.
With over four decades of legal experience, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie is regarded as one of the most senior and respected judges in the country. His nomination to the high office is being seen as a move to restore stability and public confidence in Ghana’s judiciary, which has recently faced turbulence following Justice Torkornoo’s dramatic removal.
The Council of State is expected to provide its advice on the nomination in the coming days. Once this constitutional step is completed, Parliament will begin the vetting process, after which a final approval will confirm his appointment.
Political analysts suggest that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination could mark a turning point for the judiciary, as he is widely respected for his calm demeanor, professional competence, and non-partisan approach. Legal practitioners and civil society groups have also welcomed his nomination, urging swift parliamentary approval to ensure continuity at the highest level of Ghana’s judicial system.
If confirmed, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie will become the head of the Judiciary at a critical time, tasked with safeguarding judicial independence, ensuring swift access to justice, and strengthening public trust in the rule of law.
His appointment will also symbolize continuity, given his long-standing service on the Supreme Court and his proven leadership while acting in the role.
The coming weeks will therefore be decisive, as Ghana awaits the Council of State’s advice and Parliament’s deliberation on President Mahama’s nomination.
