Newly sworn-in Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has assured Ghanaians that his administration will see a Judiciary that works to ensure Justice and not align with political interest.
Giving a speech shortly after he was sworn-in by the President on Monday, November 17, 2025, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie said his vision for the Judiciary is to ensure a service-oriented institution with efficient and transparent courts where there is respect for all manner of persons.
He said he will ensure Judges and staff uphold high ethical standards, treat litigants with dignity and apply the law without fear or favour.
“A Judiciary that works not for political ends but for the course of Justice. I envision a Ghana where Justice is not delayed or denied, where the courts distance and complexity of going to courts are no longer barriers to fairness,” he assured, emphasising the need for an end to delayance and denial of Justice.
Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie noted that the Judiciary must be independent, impartial and accessible and must not serve the powerful or the connected at the expense of the weak or the vulnerable.
“It (Judiciary) must resist any incursions on its freedoms but also embrace accountability, transparency and continuous reform,” he stated.
He pledged to address recent concerns by Ghanaians about delayance of justice and perceptions of unfairness by the courts.
“In recent times, many Ghanaians have expressed concerns about delays, access and perceptions of fairness in our courts. I wish to confront those concerns head on.
“The Judiciary must not only bee seen to be fair but must be fair, clearing backlogs, reforming processes, promoting alternative dispute resolution where appropriate, harnessing technology and ensuring that ordinary citizens can approach the courts with confidence. These are not optional add-ons but they are imperatives,” Justice Baffoe-Bonnie remarked.
He continued: “I envision Judges who are independent yet humble, fearless yet fair, learned yet compassionate, I envisioned a system where alternative mechanisms of dispute resolution compliment the formal courts and relieve the stream of backlogs. I envision courtrooms where respect reigns but where litigants are not intimidated, where the language of justice is not alienated but comprehensible to every Ghanaian.”
President Mahama has sworn-in the new Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie. The ceremony was held at the seat of the Presidency on Monday, November 17, 2025 where the newly sworn-in Chief Justice was administered the Judicial Oath, Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Secrecy.
President Mahama also presented the instrument of appointment to the new Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.
Delivering his speech at the ceremony, the President said urged the new Chief Justice to collaborate with the Judicial Council and the Bar to prioritise the reduction of case backlogs through innovative case management systems.
The President further called for the expansion and modernization of court infrastructure especially in under-served districts and encouraged the use of technology, e-filing, virtual hearings where appropriate and digital recordings to improve efficiency and also simplify procedures especially for small claims, family matters, juvenile and labour matters so that ordinary citizens are not excluded by technicality.
He pledged government’s commitment to provide adequate resources to aid justice delivery in the country.
“As government, we recognize our responsibility to provide adequate resources to support these reforms. We will work with your office to ensure the Judiciary is adequately equipped to deliver justice in a modern and efficient manner,” he stated.
