Barely weeks after the dismissal of Justice Gertrude Araba Essaba Torkonoo, President John Dramani Mahama has nominated Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as her replacement, making him the ninth Chief Justice under the Fourth Republic.
In a statement issued by the Presidency, it was announced that the President has, in line with Article 144(1) of the 1992 Constitution, forwarded Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s name to the Council of State for consideration and subsequent approval as Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana.
“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,” the statement read.
A Distinguished Judicial Career
The Presidency described Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as a jurist of “diligence and integrity”, who has served with distinction at the High Court, the Court of Appeal and currently, the Supreme Court.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, it added, has made “invaluable contributions to the development of Ghanaian jurisprudence,” and has earned the respect of the Bench, the Bar and the wider legal fraternity for his intellect, impartiality and unwavering commitment to justice.
His extensive experience and long service on the Bench, according to the government, render him “eminently qualified” to occupy the high office of Chief Justice.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has been serving as Acting Chief Justice since April 22, 2025, following the suspension of Justice Torkonoo.
Events Leading to the Dismissal of Justice Torkonoo
Justice Torkonoo’s removal stemmed from a series of petitions submitted to the Presidency earlier this year.
In July, President Mahama suspended her pending investigations, and subsequently appointed a committee chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Pwamang to probe the allegations.
The committee’s report, submitted weeks ago, established prima facie evidence of misconduct against the former Chief Justice. Acting on the findings, President Mahama dismissed her from office.
Justice Torkonoo, who succeeded Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah in June 2023, served a relatively short tenure that was marked by both judicial reforms and controversies, culminating in her suspension and eventual removal.
Next Step
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination will follow constitutional procedure, beginning with advice from the Council of State, after which Parliament is expected to vet and approve him.
Once confirmed, he will become Ghana’s 16th Chief Justice.
Observers say the appointment comes at a critical moment, as Ghana’s judiciary faces heightened public scrutiny over integrity, independence, and accountability.
