Parliament has officially approved Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the new Chief Justice of Ghana. The decision was made on Wednesday, November 13, 2025, following his successful vetting and recommendation by the Parliamentary Appointments Committee. This approval comes after the retirement of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, marking a new era for Ghana’s judiciary.
Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie appeared before the Appointments Committee on November 10, where he received praise for his long and distinguished service on the Supreme Court bench. Members of the committee commended him for his integrity, professionalism, and deep understanding of the law. The Chair of the Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, described him as an accomplished judge who embodies the qualities required to lead the judiciary with fairness and diligence. After thorough deliberations, the committee submitted a favorable report to Parliament, recommending his approval.
The approval process in Parliament was not without controversy. During the debate, some Minority Members of Parliament expressed concerns about the voting method, insisting that a secret ballot should be used instead of a voice vote. Despite the disagreement, the Speaker of Parliament ordered a headcount to settle the issue. The results showed that 163 MPs voted in favor of the nominee, while 69 voted against. Following this outcome, the Speaker declared Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie duly approved as the next Chief Justice of Ghana.
With parliamentary approval secured, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie is expected to be sworn into office by President John Dramani Mahama in the coming days. His appointment comes at a crucial time when the judiciary is under increasing public scrutiny, and citizens are calling for stronger leadership, accountability, and transparency within the system. Many Ghanaians, including legal experts and civil society organizations, have expressed optimism that his leadership will help rebuild confidence in the justice system and promote greater efficiency in judicial administration.
As the head of the judiciary, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie will be responsible for ensuring the smooth administration of justice, upholding the rule of law, and safeguarding the principles of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. His new role places him at the center of judicial reforms and constitutional interpretation, areas where his extensive experience on the Supreme Court is expected to prove invaluable.
Observers say his appointment presents an opportunity for the judiciary to strengthen its independence and renew public trust. His tenure will likely focus on addressing challenges such as case backlogs, delays in justice delivery, and the need for better access to justice for all citizens.
The approval of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice represents more than a routine transition in judicial leadership. It symbolizes a renewed call for ethical integrity, fairness, and excellence in the judicial process. As he prepares to assume office, expectations are high that he will lead with wisdom, humility, and a firm commitment to justice. Ghanaians now look forward to how his leadership will shape the future of the judiciary and reinforce the foundations of constitutional governance.