ACCRA, Sept 23 (The African Portal) – Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has put forward Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie for consideration as the country’s new Chief Justice.
The announcement was made by Minister of Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who confirmed the nomination in a Facebook post on Monday.
“President John Dramani Mahama has in accordance with Article 144(1) of the 1992 Constitution, forwarded the name of His Lordship Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to the Council of State for consideration as Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana,” he wrote.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie is currently serving as Acting Chief Justice, following the removal of Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkonoo earlier this month.
Credentials of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie
In his post, Mr Ofosu described the nominee as a jurist who has “served with diligence and integrity at the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and currently, the Supreme Court.”
He added: “He has made invaluable contributions to the development of Ghanaian jurisprudence. He has earned the esteem of the Bench, the Bar, and the wider legal fraternity for his intellect, impartiality, and unwavering commitment to justice.
“His wealth of experience and long service on the Bench render him eminently qualified for the high office of Chief Justice. His Lordship has been serving as Acting Chief Justice since 22 April 2025.”
If approved, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie will formally succeed Justice Torkonoo, who became the first head of the judiciary in Ghana’s Fourth Republic to be removed from office under the constitutional provision on stated misbehaviour.
Mahama removes Gertrude Torkonoo
Ghana’s immediate past Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkonoo, was removed from office following a recommendation by a committee set up to investigate petitions against her.
A statement from the presidency on Monday [1 September 2025] said the decision was made in line with Article 146(9) of the 1992 Constitution.
The committee, chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Pwamang, submitted its report earlier in the day. Under the constitution, the president is obliged to act on such recommendations.
“The President shall, in each case, act in accordance with the recommendations of the committee,” the article states.
The removal follows a petition filed by Ghanaian citizen Daniel Ofori, who accused Justice Torkonoo of “stated misbehaviour” in her role as Chief Justice. After four months of hearings, the committee upheld the claims and recommended her dismissal.
Justice Torkonoo was appointed Chief Justice in 2023, succeeding Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah, who retired in May that year. She has now become the first head of the judiciary in Ghana’s Fourth Republic to be removed from office under this constitutional provision.
