Mahama to Swear In Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Ghana’s 15th Chief Justice Today
In a landmark ceremony underscoring the Mahama administration’s commitment to judicial independence and reform, President John Dramani Mahama is scheduled to officially swear in Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the substantive Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana on Monday, November 17, 2025.
The event, set for the afternoon at the Presidency, follows Parliament’s overwhelming approval of his nomination last week and caps a tumultuous year for the judiciary.
The swearing-in marks the culmination of a constitutional process that began with Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination on September 23, 2025, after serving as Acting Chief Justice since April 22, 2025—a role he assumed following the suspension and eventual dismissal of his predecessor, Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
Parliament’s Appointments Committee vetted the nominee on November 10, 2025, where he pledged to uphold judicial integrity, foster bipartisan collaboration, and enhance access to justice for all Ghanaians.
The House approved him on November 13, 2025, by a decisive vote of 163 to 69, reflecting broad support despite opposition scrutiny.
A Distinguished Jurist Takes the Helm
Born on December 26, 1956, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie brings over four decades of legal expertise to the Supreme Court, where he has sat since 2008—making him one of the longest-serving justices.
His career trajectory includes stints at the High Court and Court of Appeal, earning him a reputation for diligence, moral rectitude, and impartiality. President Mahama, in his nomination letter, lauded Baffoe-Bonnie’s “immense knowledge and experience,” positioning him as the ideal steward to reset the judiciary amid ongoing reforms.
Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine has echoed this sentiment, affirming that a National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) background check cleared the nominee of any impropriety. “We have no doubt that the President appointed the right person… He possesses high moral character, proven integrity, and over 15 years of legal experience,” Dr. Ayine stated, emphasizing Baffoe-Bonnie’s clean record and judicial acumen.
This appointment is part of a broader judicial overhaul under Mahama, including the elevation of 65 judges to various superior courts in his first 10 months—a move critics have dubbed “packing the bench,” while supporters hail it as essential “resetting” to address backlogs and restore public trust.
As the ninth Chief Justice under the Fourth Republic, Baffoe-Bonnie inherits a docket burdened by high-profile cases on corruption, galamsey, and electoral disputes, with expectations high for accelerated case management and digital innovations.
Ceremony and Expectations
The investiture, to be broadcast live on major networks , will feature the oath-taking under Article 144 of the 1992 Constitution, attended by the Council of State, parliamentary leadership, and the legal fraternity.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie is anticipated to deliver an acceptance address outlining his vision: bolstering judicial independence, combating delays through alternative dispute resolution, and promoting inclusivity for marginalized litigants.
Stakeholders, including the Ghana Bar Association, have welcomed the milestone, viewing it as a stabilizing force for Ghana’s democracy. “This is a new dawn for justice,” said Bar President Anthony Forson. Yet, whispers of political influence linger, with opposition figures like Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin recalling tense vetting exchanges where he accused the nominee of bias—claims Baffoe-Bonnie firmly rebutted.
As the clock ticks toward the ceremony, Ghanaians anticipate a judiciary reinvigorated under Baffoe-Bonnie’s steady hand—one poised to navigate the complexities of a nation at a crossroads. Live coverage begins at 2:00 PM GMT
