During visits to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and the Ghana Prisons Service, the Chief Justice highlighted the need for enhanced coordination between institutions to tackle galamsey and other cross-border crimes.

“We cannot ignore the fact that the Chinese have virtually invaded galamsey areas. In some places, they are selling supplies to operators and buying the gold. Anyone who enters this country should have a valid work permit. Unless we are talking about smuggling, these individuals are supposed to be known to our authorities,” he stated.

The Chief Justice also announced plans to roll out special courts from Monday, aimed at fast-tracking cases and alleviating congestion in the justice system.

“We are setting up a shift court system — morning and afternoon sessions — and special courts will handle cybercrime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and cross-border offences. This will not be a single-institution effort,” he explained.

In response, Comptroller General of the GIS, Samuel Basintale Amadu, urged the Chief Justice to review penalties for illegal mining, noting that fines are currently insufficient to deter offenders.

“Galamsey is no longer just a Chinese issue; West African nationals are also heavily involved, often with the support of some Ghanaians. Existing fines are minimal and not a deterrent. We hope penalties can be made more punitive,” he said.

The Chief Justice’s tour also included discussions at the Ghana Prisons Service headquarters on improving collaboration between the Judicial Service and the Prisons Service to reduce overcrowding in the country’s correctional facilities.

He delivered the caution at the swearing-in ceremony of 52 newly appointed Circuit Court judges on Thursday, January 22, 2026. The group comprised 40 magistrates elevated to the circuit bench and 12 lawyers appointed from the Bar.

Addressing the judges, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie urged them to uphold the highest standards of integrity, competence and independence in the discharge of their duties, stressing that judicial decisions have far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, businesses and entire communities.

“The authority you exercise is not self-derived,” the Chief Justice said. “It is power delegated by the people through the Constitution, and it must be exercised carefully, judiciously and strictly in accordance with the law.”

He emphasised that any abuse of judicial power undermines the foundations of the rule of law and erodes confidence in the justice system, reminding the judges that litigants come before the courts not merely with cases, but with hope.

The Chief Justice further urged the judges to ensure that their rulings are clear, well-reasoned and grounded in sound legal principles, while avoiding any conduct that could compromise their impartiality or create perceptions of impropriety.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie was nominated for the role on September 23, with the President citing his decades of service across the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court as key reasons for the appointment.

He has been serving in an acting capacity since April 22, following the suspension and subsequent dismissal of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on November 10, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie pledged to run an open and inclusive administration, emphasizing his commitment to safeguarding judicial independence while improving access to justice.

Parliament subsequently approved his elevation on November 13, with 163 members voting in favour and 69 opposing, clearing the way for today’s swearing-in ceremony.

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His confirmation on Thursday, November 13, came after the Committee, by a majority decision, recommended that Parliament adopt its report endorsing his nomination.

Presenting the report to the House, Committee Chairman Bernard Ahiafor said the decision followed extensive deliberations.

“The Committee therefore recommends to the House, by majority decision, the adoption of the report for the approval of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana,” he stated.

Mr. Ahiafor noted that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie demonstrated “exceptional competence, a deep understanding of the law, and a strong appreciation of judicial ethics.”

He added that the nominee responded to all questions from the Committee with “professionalism, clarity, and intellectual depth,” qualities that affirm his capacity to protect the independence and integrity of the judiciary.

“The Committee is satisfied that the nominee possesses the qualifications, temperament, and commitment to constitutional principles required of a Chief Justice,” Mr. Ahiafor said.

The approval process, however, sparked sharp divisions in Parliament. While the Majority supported the motion, the Minority opposed it and demanded a secret ballot to formally register their dissent.

Following a heated debate, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin ruled that the motion had been carried through a voice vote, declaring, “Honourable members, I think the I’s have it.”

The Minority, however, challenged the Speaker’s ruling, invoking Order 151(3) of the Standing Orders, and called for a headcount to confirm the decision.

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Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, he said the example cited during Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie’s vetting process revealed troubling judicial instincts.

“Look at what happened with the vetting of the Chief Justice,” he said.

“A CJ who can say that the convicted, and instead of giving him 30 years, he felt that he was still young, and if you give him 30 years, he may come back to see him alive and may harm him.

“Because of that, he gave him 70 years. That is very dangerous for our body politic. It is very dangerous for our justice delivery in this country.”

He argued that justice cannot be guided by emotion or personal fears.

“If a Chief Justice gives a ruling based on his personal feelings and benefits, how many of the cases that go to him will not be determined based on his personal benefits? This is very dangerous,” he said.

Mr Boadu, who is aspiring to be the opposition party’s chairman, added that “this is something that I would have expected the President to have withdrawn him, or Parliament to have rejected him.”

Commenting on the Minority’s walkout during the vetting, Mr Boadu defended their decision, saying it was meant to avoid legitimising an illegality.

“We walk out because we didn’t want to legitimise illegality,” he said.

“They shouldn’t have vetted him. They should have just let him go. If it turns out that the views of a nominee are injurious to the delivery of justice, must he go through?”

Mr Boadu said the Minority’s action was justified.

“The opposition made their point. The opposition felt that even the vetting wasn’t necessary because there is a case that can have an effect on what they are vetting the person for.

“So in our thinking, this should have allowed an acting CJ to continue till that matter before the court is cleared. That’s our position.”

He maintained that the Majority’s conduct in Parliament made any effort to raise concerns futile.

“What else were they to do? If we were even sitting there and raising these issues, considering the attitude of the Majority, what would they do?” he asked.

Mr Boadu also reflected on the NPP’s poor parliamentary performance in 2024, linking it to the party’s reduced influence in oversight.

“We had an abysmal performance in 2024,” he said.

“We had just less than 32% of parliamentary representation. If we had full numbers in Parliament, certain things would go through that would not go through.”

He pointed to the swift passage of the petroleum levy as an example.

“They imposed a levy on petroleum products. They did it within 24 hours. There wasn’t a major critique or review because we were not enough to kick against it,” he said.

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In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mr. Boamah said the Committee successfully fulfilled its oversight mandate despite some controversy surrounding the process. He wrote:

“On Monday, 10th November 2025, the Appointments Committee fulfilled its oversight mandate by vetting Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie. May God grant us wisdom and strength as we work diligently for God and Country.”

He explained that the exercise was conducted in accordance with parliamentary procedure, even though members of the Minority staged a walkout, describing Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as a “disputed nominee.”

The Minority’s protest did not stop proceedings, as the rest of the Committee continued with the vetting session at Parliament House in Accra.

During the session, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie faced questions on issues including judicial independence, transparency, and reforms within the judiciary.

On Monday, 10th November 2025, the Appointments Committee fulfilled its oversight mandate by vetting Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie. May God grant us wisdom and strength as we work diligently for God and Country.@parliament_gh pic.twitter.com/QhRTBfCgew

— Patrick Yaw Boamah (@pyboamah) November 11, 2025

The change, he explained, would provide enough time for any election-related petitions to be heard and resolved before the inauguration of a new government.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie made the proposal during his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, November 10, 2025, in response to concerns about delays in resolving electoral disputes.

Currently, national elections are held on December 7, with the swearing-in of a new government taking place a month later on January 7. This short interval, he observed, makes it difficult for the courts to conclude any election petitions before the incoming administration assumes office.

According to him, shifting the election date to early November would enable both political parties and the judiciary to address disputes more effectively and transparently.

“After the election petition, we came to the conclusion that it should be possible to have petitions concluded before January 7, which is the inauguration day. The best suggestion that came up was to hold elections on November 7 or 8,” he explained.

He further noted that if elections were held in early November, results could be declared by November 10, providing about 57 days — from mid-November to early January — to deal with any potential legal challenges.

“Assuming we go by the 42-day window provided by CI 99, petitions can be filed, responded to, and tried within that period,” he added.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie also called for the adoption of electronic service of court documents to reduce the delays associated with manual delivery.

“Every originating process has to be served personally on the respondent. But in this age, we can use digital addresses or phone numbers for online contact. If petitions are served electronically, it can take three days instead of a week,” he said.

He emphasised that with such reforms, election petitions could be completed by November 30, allowing trials to conclude within two weeks — a move he believes would enhance fairness, efficiency, and public confidence in the electoral justice process.

Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, November 10, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, in his opening remarks, expressed his determination to rebuild public trust and strengthen the independence and integrity of the judiciary.

“The nation needs a judiciary that does not merely interpret the law but elevates the nation’s conscience. With your guidance and cooperation, and that of all stakeholders, I pledge to restore confidence in our judiciary and leave it stronger than I found it,” he stated.

He assured the Committee that, if confirmed, he would usher in a new era marked by transparency, efficiency, and accessibility — ensuring that justice serves every Ghanaian equally.

“I am mindful of the judiciary’s constitutional role not as a political actor, but as a guardian of rights, a check against abuses, and the final arbiter of the rule of law. Access to justice should not depend on who you are or your connections,” he said.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie further stressed that the Chief Justice’s role goes beyond adjudicating cases, explaining that it also involves safeguarding the credibility and moral authority of the justice system. He vowed to make the law both “a shield for the weak and a restraint upon the powerful.”

During his vetting on Monday, November 10, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie said, “I wouldn’t know what goes on in the president’s mind since I’m not there. But I would be disappointed if my only qualification for the chief justice nomination is that I voted for the president in 2013. That is on a lighter note, but I believe I am qualified for the position.”

The nominee emphasised his extensive judicial experience, having served on the Supreme Court for 17 years.

“To say I am the best qualified person in the Supreme Court… now I will say that. The person who served nearest to me has been there for 10 years, another from 2005, and others from 2019 and 2020. So, I believe I qualify for the position,” he added.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination has drawn public attention, with some questioning whether political considerations influenced the decision. Parliament’s vetting aims to assess his qualifications, judicial experience, and overall suitability for the country’s highest judicial post. If confirmed, he will succeed the removed Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 24, 2025, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie described the late Nana Konadu as a woman of “remarkable vision, courage, and conviction,” whose legacy has left an indelible mark on Ghana’s social and political development.

“Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings was a woman of remarkable vision, courage, and conviction. Throughout her public life, she championed the causes of women and children, tirelessly advocating for gender equality and social justice,” the statement read.

The Acting Chief Justice lauded the former First Lady’s pioneering role in women’s empowerment, particularly through the 31st December Women’s Movement, describing it as a lasting testament to her dedication to national progress.

“While her passing marks the end of an era, her influence will continue to resonate in the hearts of countless Ghanaians whose lives she touched through her service, compassion, and leadership,” the statement added.

The Judiciary expressed its solidarity with the Rawlings family and joined the nation in mourning the loss of a distinguished stateswoman who played a vital role in advancing Ghana’s democracy and social development.

“We pray that the Almighty God grants comfort to the bereaved family and eternal rest to her gentle soul,” the statement concluded.

Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, wife of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, passed away at the Ridge Hospital in Accra at age 76.

She was Ghana’s longest-serving First Lady and a trailblazer in the fight for women’s rights and social justice.

Source: Adomonline