GBA President Calls Judicial Service Defence Of Chief Justice ‘Lacklustre’

Ghana Bar Association (GBA) President Efua Ghartey has described the Judicial Service’s response to controversy surrounding Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as “at best lacklustre.”

Speaking at the opening of the Ghana Bar Association Conference 2026/27 in Ada on Monday, Ghartey said the Chief Justice’s recent remarks left much to be desired and raised concerns about perceptions of judicial impartiality.

The comments in question were made by Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie during visits to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) on September 2.

He compared the performance of the institutions under the current administration with that of the previous government. The statements drew public criticism and calls for his resignation from some political actors.

The Judicial Service had earlier stated that the Chief Justice’s observations were made in good faith and were not intended to compromise the independence or impartiality of the judiciary.

Ghartey rejected that defence as inadequate. She noted “subtle and sometimes overt communication” from some members of the judiciary that appeared to promote the interests of the Executive. She urged judges to carefully consider the constitutional demands of their office before assuming the role.

Quoting Supreme Court Justice Yoni Kulendi in the case of Elom Kwame Gbonni v Attorney-General and HFC, Ghartey reminded the audience that holders of independent institutional offices, including judges, are constrained in their ability to take sides in partisan politics.

“A word to the wise is enough,” she said. “As Ghanaians, we have become very discerning and would frown on tinted justice.” 

She stressed that judges must remain within the bounds set by the 1992 Constitution, particularly Article 128.

The GBA President reaffirmed the association’s commitment to protecting judicial independence while cautioning against any actions that could create an impression of partisan bias.