“I Will Uphold the Rule of Law and Respect Separation of Powers” – New Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie Declares
Moments after taking the oaths of allegiance, secrecy, and judicial office, Ghana’s newly sworn-in Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, delivered a powerful and unambiguous pledge to the nation:
“Mr. President, in accepting this office, I give my solemn word that I will uphold the rule of law, respect the separation of powers, and protect the Constitution.
I will respect the independence of every judge and ensure that the judiciary remains free from improper influence.
I will also insist on accountability.”
The declaration, made in front of President John Dramani Mahama, Speaker Alban Bagbin, the Council of State, and senior members of the Bench and Bar, was met with prolonged applause — a clear signal that Ghanaians are hungry for a judiciary that stands firm against political pressure and undue influence.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie further committed to:
1.Safeguarding judicial independence at all levels
2.Shielding individual judges from external interference
3.Embedding accountability within the judicial system itself
4.Ensuring the judiciary serves as the ultimate guardian of the 1992 Constitution
Legal observers described the statement as one of the strongest affirmations of judicial autonomy by an incoming Chief Justice in decades, especially coming just months after controversies that led to the removal of his predecessor.
With immediate effect, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie assumes full command of Ghana’s judiciary — overseeing everything from high-profile corruption trials and galamsey-related prosecutions to landmark constitutional cases in the lead-up to the 2028 elections.
His first official act after the ceremony? A closed-door meeting with all Heads of Courts to begin implementing President Mahama’s directive for faster, fairer, and more accessible justice.
The message from the new Chief Justice is clear: under his watch, the judiciary will answer to the Constitution and the people of Ghana — and to no one else.
