Justice Baffoe-Bonnie nominated as next Chief Justice

President John Mahama has formally nominated Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to serve as Ghana’s next Chief Justice. A letter has been sent to the Council of State requesting its advice on the appointment.

The Presidency described Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as a jurist who has served with “diligence and integrity” and made “invaluable contributions to Ghanaian jurisprudence.” He is widely respected across the Bench, the Bar, and the broader legal community for his intellect, impartiality, and deep commitment to justice.

The nomination follows the dramatic removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, who was dismissed for stated misbehaviour after a constitutional committee’s findings under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution. Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has been acting Chief Justice since April 2025, following her suspension.

Career and Background

Currently the most senior judge on the Supreme Court, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie was appointed to the apex court in 2008 by President John Agyekum Kufuor.

Born: 26 December 1956

Education: Goaso (basic), Konongo Odumase Secondary School (O & A Levels), University of Ghana (Law), Ghana Law School (called to the Bar in 1983)

Judicial career: Circuit Court Judge (Kumasi), High Court Judge (Duayaw Nkwanta), Appeals Court Judge, Supreme Court Justice

His long judicial career and leadership experience are expected to provide stability to the Judiciary at a sensitive moment in its history.

If approved, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie will officially take over as head of the Judiciary. The Council of State is expected to provide advice in the coming days, after which Parliament will vet and approve the nomination