Parliament has approved Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the new Chief Justice of Ghana, ending weeks of political tension and controversy surrounding the nomination process.
The approval, granted on Thursday, November 13, 2025, followed a heated debate in Parliament after a dramatic walkout by Minority MPs earlier in the week during his vetting.
The Minority had objected to Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination, citing ongoing court challenges over the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, which they described as “unconstitutional and politically tainted.”
Despite their protest, the Majority side pushed through with the approval, adopting the Appointments Committee’s report by a head count vote of 169 to 63 in favour of the nominee.
Presenting the committee’s findings, First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor commended Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s depth of experience, judicial temperament, and integrity, describing him as the right person to lead Ghana’s judiciary at a critical moment.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, who has served on the Supreme Court since 2008, is regarded as one of Ghana’s most senior and respected jurists, having played a key role in several landmark constitutional and electoral rulings over the past decade.
Supporters of his appointment argue that his extensive experience and measured approach to jurisprudence make him a unifying figure capable of restoring calm and confidence within the judiciary.
However, critics insist that the process leading to his nomination raises questions about judicial independence and political influence — concerns the Minority says it will continue to pursue through legal and parliamentary channels.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie is expected to be formally sworn in by President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House in the coming days.
Observers say his leadership will be closely watched as the judiciary faces growing scrutiny and high-profile constitutional disputes, with many hoping he will steer the bench with fairness, restraint, and institutional strength.
