President John Mahama has nominated Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie for appointment as Ghana’s next Chief Justice.
A formal communication has been sent to the Council of State, seeking its advice on the nomination. In the accompanying statement, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie is praised as a jurist who has “served with diligence and integrity” and made “invaluable contributions to the development of Ghanaian jurisprudence.”
The Presidency highlighted his reputation within the legal community, noting his intellect, impartiality, and steadfast commitment to justice. His extensive experience and long-standing service on the Bench were cited as key qualifications for the role.
This nomination comes in the wake of the dismissal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, who was removed from office on grounds of stated misbehaviour. Her removal followed the recommendations of a constitutional committee formed under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has been serving as Acting Chief Justice since April 2025, following Justice Torkornoo’s suspension. He is currently the most senior judge on the Supreme Court.
Appointed to the Supreme Court in June 2008 by then-President John Agyekum Kufuor, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie brings decades of judicial experience to the role. His career began in Kumasi as a Circuit Court Judge, followed by postings as a High Court Judge in Duayaw Nkwanta and later as a Judge of the Court of Appeal.
Born on December 26, 1956, he had his early education in Goaso and attended Konongo Odumase Secondary School for both his O-Level and A-Level studies. He pursued legal studies at the University of Ghana and the Ghana Law School, where he was called to the Bar in 1983.
If confirmed, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie will officially assume leadership of the Judiciary during a pivotal moment for the institution.
The Council of State is expected to provide its advisory opinion in the coming days, after which Parliament will conduct a vetting and decide on the approval of the nomination.
