Ghana’s new Chief Justice Sworn-In after predecessor’s controversial dismissal

By: Chidozie Nwali

Justice Paul Kwadwo Baffoe-Bonnie was officially sworn in as the substantive Chief Justice of the The Republic of Ghana on Monday, at the seat of the Presidency.

The event, presided over by President John Dramani Mahama, marks a new chapter for the judiciary after a period of unprecedented transition following the controversial removal of the immediate past Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

President Manama urged  Baffoe-Bonnie  to prioritize the reduction of case backlogs across the country through innovative case management and the expanded use of technology.

The President described the ceremony as more than a symbolic change of guard, noting that it “reaffirms our collective dedication to constitutionalism, the rule of law, and the independence of the judiciary as an equal branch of government.” He emphasized.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s ascension to the top judicial post comes after he served as the Acting Chief Justice since April 22, 2025. He assumed this role following the suspension and subsequent removal of his predecessor, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

Justice Torkornoo was initially suspended in April 2025, following the submission of multiple petitions to the Presidency calling for her removal.

President Mahama settled  up a committee to inquire into the petitions.

The committee concluded its inquiry and found that the grounds of “stated misbehaviour” had been established against the then-Chief Justice. President Mahama was constitutionally bound by the committee’s recommendation and removed Justice Torkornoo from office in September 2025.

The entire process generated considerable political tension, with the former Chief Justice publicly denying the allegations and describing the removal process as “cruel” and politically motivated.

In his acceptance speech, Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie pledged to confront the issues of court delays and backlogs head-on. Crucially, he vowed to uphold the rule of law, respect the separation of powers, and protect the independence of the Constitution and the judiciary.