By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
Acting Chief Justice (CJ), His Lordship Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has been nominated by President John Dramani Mahama as the next Chief Justice of Ghana following the removal of Gertrude Torkornoo. The Minister of Government Communications, Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who announced this through a press statement issued on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, said the nomination was in line with Article 144(1) of the 1992 Constitution.
According to him, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s name has been forwarded to the Council of State for consideration as the substantive Chief Justice of Ghana.
“Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has served with diligence and integrity throughout his distinguished judicial career at the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and, currently, the Supreme Court. His invaluable contributions to the development of Ghanaian jurisprudence and unwavering commitment to justice make him eminently qualified for the position,” portions of the statement read.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie had been serving as Acting Chief Justice following the suspension and subsequent removal of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. As the most senior among the nine remaining justices of the Supreme Court, his appointment was in line with judicial succession.
Born on December 26, 1956, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie brings more than three decades of distinguished service to Ghana’s judiciary. His career reflects versatility and dedication across the legal and public service sectors.
Before joining the Supreme Court in 2008, he served as a Justice of the Court of Appeal, a High Court Judge, and a Circuit Court Judge. Before his judicial career, he worked as Principal Inspector of Taxes and Head of Legal for the Eastern and Volta Regions at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
An alumnus of Konongo-Odumase Secondary School, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie studied law at the University of Ghana and the Ghana School of Law, laying the foundation for his long and impactful career.
Within the judiciary, he is respected for his expertise in constitutional law, taxation, prison administration, election law, and legal education. He has been instrumental in judicial reforms and continues to champion ethical practice and professional development.
Currently, he chairs several key bodies within the Judicial Service, including the Disciplinary Committee of the General Legal Council, the Election Management Committee, and the Finance Committee. He has also represented Ghana at numerous international judicial conferences and capacity-building programmes.
