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President John Mahama has formally nominated Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Ghana’s next Chief Justice, following the removal of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office.
In a statement issued by the Presidency, the President has written to the Council of State seeking its advice on the nomination, describing Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as a jurist who has “served with diligence and integrity” and made “invaluable contributions to the development of Ghanaian jurisprudence.”
Background and Credentials
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, currently the most senior judge on the Supreme Court, has been acting as Chief Justice since April 2025, following the suspension of Justice Torkornoo.
The Presidency cited his intellect, impartiality, and unwavering commitment to justice as qualities that have earned him the respect of the Bench, Bar, and the wider legal fraternity.
“His wealth of experience and long service on the Bench make him eminently qualified for the high office,” the statement added.
Born on December 26, 1956, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie began his education in Goaso, and later attended Konongo Odumase Secondary School, where he obtained both Ordinary and Advanced Level certificates. He studied law at the University of Ghana, proceeded to the Ghana School of Law, and was called to the Bar in 1983.
His judicial career spans several decades, having served as:
- Circuit Court Judge in Kumasi
- High Court Judge in Duayaw Nkwanta
- Appeals Court Judge
- Justice of the Supreme Court
Removal of Justice Torkornoo
Justice Gertrude Torkornoo was removed from office after findings of misconduct by a constitutional committee set up under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
Her dramatic dismissal has created a vacuum at the top of Ghana’s judiciary, which Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has temporarily filled in an acting capacity.
Next Steps
The Council of State is expected to advise the President in the coming days. If the advice is favourable, Parliament will vet and approve the nomination, paving the way for Justice Baffoe-Bonnie to officially assume the position as Head of the Judiciary.
His leadership is expected to steer the judicial system through a critical period of transition and reform.
