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Thursday, 17 September 2026
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Thursday, 17 September 2026
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Ghanaian press · Person

Paul Baffoe-Bonnie

Also known as: Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie · Justice Baffoe-Bonnie · My Lord Baffoe-Bonnie · Mr Baffoe-Bonnie · Chief Justice Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie

Chief Justice heading Ghana's Judiciary, whose recent remarks comparing state institutions' performance across administrations drew criticism over judicial neutrality.

2026-04-262026-09-17

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. September 2026
  2. Joy Online

    During engagements with institutions including MIIF and SSNIT, Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie praised improvements in some state entities and questioned what Ghana had been doing over the previous eight years.

    Livestream: Newsfile discusses SOEs’ GH¢19.8bn profit, dissolution of 9 boards, CJ’s visits to SOEs, GH¢70k gift rejection
  3. The Chronicle

    The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), a civil society organisation focused on democracy, good governance and public accountability, has called on the Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, to exercise restraint and discretion in his public enga

    CDD-Ghana to Chief Justice : Avoid Partisan Comments
  4. Joy Online

    The Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has urged Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to exercise restraint and discretion in his public engagements to protect the perceived impartiality and credibility of the Judiciary.

    CDD-Ghana calls on Chief Justice to avoid partisan political commentary
  5. Joy Online

    The Dean of the Faculty of Accounting and Finance at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Professor Isaac Boadi, has questioned the appropriateness of Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie’s recent praise of the performance of public institutions under the current adm

    CJ must avoid appearing as government ‘cheerleader’ – Prof Boadi
  6. Joy Online

    Political activist and physician Dr Arthur Kobina Kennedy has criticised Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie over comments he made during a visit to some state-owned institutions, arguing that such remarks are inappropriate for the head of Ghana’s Judiciary.

    You sounded like an NDC official – Arthur Kennedy criticises Chief Justice over SOE comments
  7. Joy Online

    Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie said: “Pres. Mahama’s agenda is one that will benefit Ghana.

    There is absolutely nothing wrong with what the Chief Justice said
  8. Joy Online

    New Patriotic Party (NPP) Deputy General Secretary, Haruna Mohammed, has pushed back against arguments that Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie merely stated the truth in his recent comments on the performance of state institutions.

    ‘Chief Justice’s role is to administer justice, not protect any agenda’ – Haruna replies Franklin Cudjoe
  9. Joy Online

    The Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has rejected calls by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) for Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to resign, insisting that the Chief Justice is neither affiliated with the governing party

    Gbande rejects NPP’s call for Chief Justice to resign
  10. Joy Online

    Gushegu MP Alhassan Tampuli has accused Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie of venturing into Ghana’s political arena, describing his decision to commend the performance of state institutions as “very, very scandalising”.

    It is scandalising for Chief Justice to tour, commend state institutions – Alhassan Tampuli
  11. Joy Online

    Gushegu MP Alhassan Tampuli has urged Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to stay out of Ghana’s political arena and allow politicians to engage in political contestation.

    ‘Keep off the arena of politics and allow us politicians to play there’ – Tampuli to CJ

Tuesday 15 September

  1. GBA urges Judiciary and Executive to respect constitutional limits

    The Ghana Bar Association has called on the Judiciary and Executive to operate within the 1992 Constitution's limits, with its President raising concerns about comments attributed to the Chief Justice and reports that some judges may be serving Executive interests rather than the Constitution.

    15 September 2026 · The Chronicle

Monday 14 September

  1. GBA denies selective criticism, says it holds all governments accountable

    The Ghana Bar Association's Deputy General Secretary Saviour Kudze rejected accusations of selective criticism of political actors, saying the GBA is a professional body that consistently speaks out on issues regardless of which government is in power and does not align with any political party.

    14 September 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Deputy AG questions GBA leadership's independence and consistency

    Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai has questioned the independence and consistency of the Ghana Bar Association's leadership in response to comments made by Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, arguing that independence and consistency must be demonstrated through actions rather than claimed.

    14 September 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Deputy AG says GBA applies double standards to Chief Justice criticism

    Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai has accused the Ghana Bar Association of selective criticism over Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie's recent remarks about state institutions, arguing the GBA's response is inconsistent with how it treated similar comments by previous Chief Justices. Dr Srem-Sai contended that if the GBA opposes political comments by Chief Justices, it should condemn all such remarks consistently rather than selectively depending on political circumstances.

    14 September 2026 · Joy Online

  4. GBA President criticises Chief Justice over praise for state institutions

    The Ghana Bar Association President has criticised Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie for commending state-owned enterprises including SSNIT and MIIF during recent visits, with the GBA President suggesting his comments raised concerns about impartiality. The Judicial Service stated the observations were made in good faith and did not intend to undermine judicial independence, though civil society groups and faith-based organisations have expressed concerns.

    14 September 2026 · The Ghanaian Times

  5. GBA President criticizes Chief Justice's remarks on state-owned enterprises

    Ghana Bar Association President Efua Ghartey expressed disappointment with remarks attributed to Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie concerning state-owned enterprises, saying they raised concerns among legal professionals. She also criticized the Judicial Service's response as inadequate, while emphasizing the Bar's commitment to judicial independence within constitutional limits.

    14 September 2026 · Joy Online

  6. GBA President criticizes Judicial Service's defence of Chief Justice

    Ghana Bar Association President Efua Ghartey has described the Judicial Service's defence of Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie over his partisan comments as "at best lacklustre," arguing that judges must remain within constitutional boundaries and that the Chief Justice's remarks comparing public institutions' performance under different administrations left much to be desired.

    14 September 2026 · Joy Online

  7. Ghana Bar Association criticises Chief Justice's SOE remarks

    The Ghana Bar Association has condemned Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie for comments praising state-owned enterprises and comparing their output to that of a previous government, saying his remarks were inappropriate given his judicial position.

    14 September 2026 · Joy Online

Friday 11 September

  1. Over 100 district courts operating without magistrates nationwide

    More than 100 District Courts across Ghana's 16 regions are reportedly operating without magistrates, causing prolonged delays in case hearings. A judge disclosed that some affected courts have gone more than eight months without regular sittings, while 134 applicants shortlisted for magistrate appointments await presidential approval since June 2026.

    11 September 2026 · Daily Guide

  2. Mahama swears in three new Supreme Court judges

    President John Dramani Mahama swore in three new Supreme Court judges—Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, and Justice Tony Forson—and urged them to let the Constitution guide their decisions and remain unmoved by public pressures or political interests.

    11 September 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Newly sworn Supreme Court Judges assure independence from President

    Three newly inaugurated Supreme Court Judges—Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, Edward Amoako Asante, and Tony Forson—were sworn in by President Mahama at the Presidency. Justice Essah assured on behalf of the judges that they would be independent enough to decide according to law, interpreting and applying it faithfully, impartially, and courageously.

    11 September 2026 · Joy Online

Monday 7 September

  1. Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie's institutional comparison remarks spark debate

    Ghana's Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has faced scrutiny following comments comparing the performance of state institutions under the current administration with the previous eight years, drawing criticism from the opposition NPP and civil society over concerns about judicial neutrality. The Judicial Service clarified that the observations were made in good faith and were not intended to undermine judicial independence.

    7 September 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Catholic bishops defend Chief Justice's visits, query political remarks

    The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference said there was nothing improper about Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie visiting public institutions and commending improvements, but expressed concern that his reference to "the past eight years" during visits to SSNIT and MIIF could be interpreted as a political comparison between administrations.

    7 September 2026 · The Ghanaian Times

  3. Calls for Chief Justice's resignation over remarks too extreme

    International corporate lawyer Vicky Bright has described calls for Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to resign over recent comments on state institutions as "a little bit excessive," noting that while his remarks raise legitimate concerns about judicial restraint and appearance of bias, they do not automatically constitute misconduct warranting removal.

    7 September 2026 · Joy Online

  4. NHIA deputy CEO defends Chief Justice's nation-building remarks

    The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority has defended Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie's call for Ghanaians to support national development efforts, characterizing attempts to frame his remarks as partisan as "mischievous, hypocritical and unpatriotic." She stated the Chief Justice was encouraging support for a development agenda, not campaigning for any political party ahead of the 2028 general election.

    7 September 2026 · The Ghanaian Times

Sunday 6 September

  1. Catholic Bishops advise Chief Justice against comparing government records

    The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference has urged Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to avoid comparing successive governments' records when commenting on public institutions, saying his reference to the "past eight years" during September 2 visits to SSNIT and MIIF could be seen as a political comparison that risks weakening confidence in judicial impartiality.

    6 September 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Catholic Bishops reject Chief Justice resignation calls

    The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference has rejected calls for Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie's resignation over political remarks made during visits to public institutions, though it acknowledged that his reference to "the past eight years" could reasonably be understood as partisan and damage the appearance of judicial impartiality.

    6 September 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Catholic Bishops caution Chief Justice on remarks doubting judicial neutrality

    The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference has cautioned Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie against public remarks that could create doubts about the political neutrality of the Judiciary. The Bishops said the Chief Justice's reference to "the past eight years" during visits to SSNIT and MIIF on September 2, 2026 could reasonably be understood in a political context and took on the character of a partisan judgment, though the Judicial Service later clarified the remarks were made in good faith.

    6 September 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Domelevo urges Chief Justice to avoid political commentary

    Former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo has advised Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to stop commenting on political matters that could come before the courts, warning that such statements risk creating perceptions of judicial bias and undermining public confidence in the court's neutrality.

    6 September 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Domelevo urges Chief Justice to avoid political commentary

    Former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo has called on Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to refrain from publicly commenting on political matters that could later become the subject of litigation, warning that such pronouncements risk creating a perception of judicial bias. Domelevo said that holders of sensitive constitutional offices, particularly in the Judiciary, must exercise caution in public statements to protect the courts' neutrality and independence.

    6 September 2026 · Joy Online

Saturday 5 September

  1. PNP flagbearer hopeful critiques Chief Justice's public engagements

    Janet Nabla, a People's National Party flagbearer hopeful, has criticised Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie for extensive public appearances at events involving NDC members, saying such engagements raise questions about the judiciary's perceived political neutrality.

    5 September 2026 · Joy Online

  2. CJ's state institution comparison was inappropriate, CDD-Ghana says

    CDD-Ghana's Director of Programmes says the Chief Justice's recent comparison of state institutions' performance under the current administration was ill-advised, and warns the Judiciary must be more sensitive in public engagement to protect public confidence in justice delivery.

    5 September 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Political analyst urges Chief Justice to apologise for state enterprise comments

    Dr Bernard Tutu-Boahene has called on Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to retract and apologise for remarks he made during visits to the Minerals Income Investment Fund and the Social Security and National Insurance Trust on 2 September, arguing that the Bangalore Principles governing judicial conduct require impartiality and propriety. Tutu-Boahene said such observations should have been kept private given the Chief Justice's office, though he acknowledged the Chief Justice is entitled to share his views as a Ghanaian citizen.

    5 September 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Chief Justice's remark about past eight years sparks political debate

    Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie made an observation during a visit to the Minerals Income Investment Fund, wondering what Ghana had been doing "in the past eight years," a comment that drew political attention. The remark has been interpreted by the opposition as a critique of the Akufo-Addo administration's record, highlighting how even neutral statements become politically charged in Ghana's context.

    5 September 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Political activist questions CJ fitness over SOE comments

    Dr Arthur Kobina Kennedy said Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie does not need ethical laws to recognise that his recent comments about state-owned institutions were inappropriate, and questioned whether the CJ is worthy of office if he does. The Chief Justice had praised SSNIT and MIIF performance during visits on September 2, questioning what Ghana had accomplished over the previous eight years.

    5 September 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Chief Justice should focus on judiciary, not state agencies – Kennedy

    Political activist Dr Arthur Kobina Kennedy has urged Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to stop touring state-owned enterprises and redirect his efforts toward addressing challenges within Ghana's Judiciary, saying such tours and remarks about SOE performance fall outside the proper scope of the judicial leader's role.

    5 September 2026 · Joy Online

  7. Arthur Kennedy calls on Chief Justice to apologise for SOE remarks

    Political activist Dr Arthur Kobina Kennedy has called on Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to apologise for comments made during visits to state-owned enterprises, saying the remarks were beneath his office's dignity and risked creating the impression of taking a political position. The Chief Justice faced criticism after praising the Minerals Income Investment Fund and other public institutions during recent visits, questioning what Ghana had been doing over the previous eight years.

    5 September 2026 · Joy Online

  8. Chief Justice clarifies comments on state institutions amid public criticism

    The Judicial Service reaffirmed Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie's commitment to judicial independence after public criticism of remarks he made during outreach visits to SSNIT and MIIF, where he praised improvements in their operations and questioned Ghana's performance over the previous eight years.

    5 September 2026 · Joy Online

Friday 4 September

  1. Judicial Service defends Chief Justice's SOE remarks

    The Judicial Service clarified that Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie's recent comments about state-owned enterprises during visits to SSNIT and MIIF were made in good faith and not intended to undermine judicial independence, following mixed public reaction to his observations.

    4 September 2026 · Joy Online

  2. SOEs post GH¢19.8bn profit; Mahama dissolves nine boards

    Ghana's state-owned enterprises swung from a GH¢2.2 billion loss in 2024 to a GH¢19.8 billion net profit in 2025, attributed to higher revenues, lower finance costs and improved foreign-exchange performance. President Mahama has dissolved the governing boards of nine major state institutions including BOST, VALCO, CBG, GNPC, Ghana Post, TDC and the National Sports Authority.

    4 September 2026 · Joy Online

Paul Baffoe-Bonnie — Ghanaian press coverage · Ghana Minute