Newly sworn-in Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has pledged to safeguard the Constitution, protect judicial independence, and pursue reforms aimed at strengthening Ghana’s justice system.
He committed during his swearing-in ceremony at the Presidency on Monday, November 17.
Addressing President John Dramani Mahama, the Chief Justice vowed to approach the office with integrity and respect for democratic principles.
“Mr President, in accepting this office, I give my solemn word that I will uphold the rule of law, respect the separation of powers, and protect the Constitution,” he declared.
He emphasised that judicial independence must operate alongside transparency and responsibility.
“I will respect the independence of every judge and ensure that the judiciary remains free from improper influence. I will also insist on accountability because independence without responsibility risks entitlement and erosion of public trust,” he said.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie noted that the judiciary carries the hopes of citizens seeking fairness.
“Every litigant who enters a courtroom brings not only a case but also hope that justice will be done. I accept the responsibility of preserving that hope,” he stated, urging wider collaboration.
“I urge all stakeholders, lawyers, litigants, civil society, and the public, to join us in forging a judiciary worthy of the confidence of the Ghanaian people.”
Turning to legal education, he stressed the need for comprehensive reform.
“We also cannot ignore the call for reform in legal education. The future of the bar is the future of the bench. We must move from exclusion to inclusion, from rote learning to critical thinking, and from credentialism to competence,” he said.
He added that partnerships across legal institutions would guide this transformation. “Working with the General Legal Council, the Ghana School of Law, and our law faculties, we shall pursue a model that ensures opportunity without compromising quality.
“Our goal is not merely to produce more lawyers, but better lawyers who are disciplined, ethical, and devoted to the cause of justice,” he stated.
