President John Dramani Mahama on Monday swore into office, Ghana’s new Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie.
The ceremony took place at Jubilee House, where President Mahama administered the oath of office.
His appointment follows parliamentary confirmation last week and fills the vacancy created after the dismissal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo by President Mahama.
The swearing-in was attended by key dignitaries, including the Vice President, members of the Council of State, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, parliamentary leadership, all Supreme Court Justices, and the new Chief Justice’s immediate family.
In his remarks, President Mahama praised Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s extensive experience and dedication to the rule of law, urging him to prioritise judicial independence and expedite the resolution of cases.
Accepting his new role, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie took the prescribed oaths and outlined his vision for the Judiciary, focusing on comprehensive institutional reforms to strengthen the third arm of government.
A Distinguished Career
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s appointment marks the culmination of a distinguished legal career.
- Education: University of Ghana School of Law; Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Constitutional Theory from Oxford University.
- Judicial Appointments: High Court in 1993, Court of Appeal in 2005, and Supreme Court in 2012.
- Expertise: Constitutional Law and Human Rights Jurisprudence.
- Supreme Court Contribution: Authored 87 majority opinions, particularly on land disputes and electoral petitions.
