CJ Baffoe-Bonnie to retire later this year

Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has disclosed that he will retire from office later this year, bringing his tenure as head of Ghana’s Judiciary to an end.

He made the announcement during activities marking the opening of the 69th Legal Year, where he reflected on leadership, institutional continuity and the responsibility of those entrusted with the administration of justice.

Speaking at a reception at the Supreme Court Forecourt after a commemorative church service, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie stressed that the Judiciary is an institution that extends beyond the tenure of any individual office holder.

He observed that judicial leaders inherit an institution built by others, contribute their part to its development and eventually hand it over to the next generation.

The Chief Justice therefore urged judges, magistrates, registrars, court officials and members of the legal profession to regard themselves as custodians of an important public institution and work towards leaving it stronger than they found it.

This year’s Legal Year is being observed under the theme, “Strengthening the Foundation of Justice through Leadership, Innovation and Technology.”

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie explained that the theme builds on that of the previous Legal Year, which focused on “Building the Pillars of Justice through Leadership, Innovation and Technology.”

According to him, establishing the foundations of an institution is only the beginning, as its real strength is demonstrated by its ability to withstand challenges and retain the confidence of the public over time.

The opening of the Legal Year also coincides with the 150th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s institutional history, dating from 1876.

That history is linked to the Supreme Court Ordinance of 1876, which established the Supreme Court of Judicature for the then Gold Coast Colony and contributed to the development of the judicial structure inherited by modern Ghana.

A major focus of this year’s ceremony was the growing role of technology in the administration of justice.

The Chief Justice underscored the importance of electronic filing, virtual court proceedings, digital case management and other technological interventions designed to improve efficiency within the courts.

He, however, cautioned that the adoption of technology should remain centred on people and the delivery of justice.

While digital systems can improve the management of cases and reduce delays, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie maintained that technology cannot replace the human judgment, responsibility and moral considerations involved in determining disputes and protecting constitutional rights.

He also paid tribute to senior Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Pwamang, describing him as a long-standing colleague whose support, legal expertise and service to the apex court had been significant.

Earlier, a special service was held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Accra as part of activities opening the new Legal Year.

Delivering the sermon, the Anglican Bishop of Accra, Rt. Rev. Dr. Daniel Sylvanus Mensah Torto, called on the Judiciary to combine technological advancement with strong ethical standards.

He welcomed the expansion of digital systems within the Judicial Service, noting that innovations such as electronic filing and e-court platforms could improve transparency and make it easier for court users to follow the progress of cases.

Bishop Torto, however, warned against allowing technology to displace professional judgment and moral responsibility.

He reminded judges and other judicial officers that technology should remain a tool in the administration of justice rather than becoming the determining force behind it.

The Bishop also urged members of the Bench and Bar to demonstrate courage, humility, fairness and integrity in the discharge of their duties.

Drawing on the biblical injunction in the Book of Micah, he encouraged legal practitioners and judicial officers to “act justly, love mercy and walk humbly.”

The service brought together leading figures from the Judiciary, Executive and legal profession.

Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie delivered the first scripture reading from Deuteronomy 16:18–20, while Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, gave the second reading from James 2:4–9.

Ghana Bar Association President, Mrs. Efua Ghartey, delivered the third reading from Matthew 23:23–24.

Also present was the President of the Law Society of Ghana and Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwami Dafeamekpor.

Prayers were offered for the Judiciary and for judicial officers to uphold justice and righteousness in the performance of their constitutional responsibilities.

The gathering also remembered members of the Bench and Bar who died during the preceding year.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s announcement of his impending retirement added a significant personal dimension to the ceremony, as the Judiciary prepares for another leadership transition while marking 150 years of the Supreme Court’s institutional history.