Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination as Chief Justice by President John Mahama on September 23, 2025 marks a defining moment in Ghana’s legal landscape.
Following the controversial removal of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, Baffoe-Bonnie steps into the role with decades of experience, a reputation for integrity, and a legacy of judicial excellence.
Here are ten essential facts that paint a full picture of the man now at the helm of Ghana’s judiciary.
1. Full name and birth
Paul Kwadwo Baffoe-Bonnie was born on December 26, 1956, in Goaso, Ahafo Region. He is currently 68 years old.
2. Education
He began his education at Goaso R/C Primary and Middle Schools (1962–1969), continued to Konongo Odumase Secondary School (1969–1976), and earned his law degree from the University of Ghana in 1979. He trained at the Ghana School of Law from 1979 to 1981 and was called to the Bar in 1983.
3. Early career
Before joining the bench, he worked with ESSWINT Chambers in Sekondi and Kejetia Chambers in Kumasi. He also served as Deputy Superintendent of Prisons (1988–1990) and Principal Inspector of Taxes at the IRS, heading legal affairs for the Eastern and Volta Regions (1990–1992).
4. Judicial rise
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie began his judicial career in 1993 as a Circuit Court Judge in Duayaw Nkwanta. He later served in Kumasi, Sunyani, and Accra, rising through the ranks to become a High Court Judge, then Appeals Court Judge in 2006, and finally a Supreme Court Judge in 2008.
5. Chief Justice appointment
Following the suspension and removal of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, he was appointed Acting Chief Justice on April 22, 2025. His nomination as substantive Chief Justice was announced by President Mahama on September 23, 2025, under Article 144 (1) of the Constitution.
6. Leadership roles
He has served as Acting Chairperson of the General Legal Council, Chairman of the Board of Legal Education, and Chairman of the Judicial Council. He also chaired the Disciplinary Committee and Finance Committee of the Judicial Council.
7. International engagements
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has represented Ghana at judicial conferences in Egypt, Morocco, India, Scotland, the U.S., and ECOWAS sessions in Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Cabo Verde.
8. Family background
He is the son of Opanyin Baffoe-Bonnie from Sewua and Ama Kyerewaa from Breman. He is married to Patience Baffoe-Bonnie and has one child. His brother, Kwasi Sainti Baffoe-Bonnie, was the founder of Radio Gold FM.
9. Notable judicial contributions
He was part of the Supreme Court panel that ruled on the 2013 election petition brought by the New Patriotic Party, a landmark case in Ghana’s democratic history.
10. Legacy and reputation
Known for his intellect, impartiality, and dedication, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie is widely respected across Ghana’s legal fraternity. His nomination is seen as a stabilizing move for the judiciary during a turbulent period.
