The nomination of Justice Paul Kwadwo Baffoe-Bonnie to become Ghana’s Chief Justice (CJ) is a “huge leap” in the country’s quest to get independent-minded persons into higher positions, lawyer Martin Luther Kpebu, has asserted.
The Legal practitioner believes Justice Baffoe-Bonnie is aligned with the philosophies and ideologies of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) due to his appointment history.
According to Kpebu, the fact that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie was appointed to the Appeals and Supreme Courts by former President John Agyekum Kufuor suggests he is aligned with the philosophy of the NPP.
Kpebu believes Presidents typically appoint judges and lawyers who share their party’s ideologies to higher positions, rather than purely independent figures.
This, he says, despite Justice Baffoe-Bonnie being elevated to the High Court by the late former President Rawlings, tilts towards the NPP because his subsequent promotions were engineered by President Kufuor.
Commenting on Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination by President Mahama on TV3’s Ghana Tonight on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, the legal practitioner observed that Ghana’s democracy has made significant strides, evident in an NDC government considering a justice with perceived NPP affiliation for the Chief Justice position.
“Justice Baffoe-Bonnie is a Kufuor appointee; that’s to say he was appointed to the Supreme Court by President Kufuor. The point is that, when you’re analysing, you’ll think that because he was appointed by President Kufuor, then he subscribes to the ideologies and philosophies of the NPP. That’s how on paper it will look like. But now that circumstances has brought us to this level and President Mahama has appointed Baffoe-Bonnie, is a huge leap in our march for independent persons to be appointed to very high public offices.
“You can’t totally eliminate an argument that he subscribes to the NPP’s philosophies and ideologies. From the way the appointments are done, Presidents don’t just go round choosing very independent lawyers/judges who don’t share anything in common with them. The more you share in common with the President, then the easier it will be for him to appoint you,” Mr. Kpebu explained.
Biography
Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie is a seasoned Ghanaian jurist with an extensive legal career spanning over three decades. Born on December 26, 1956, he has had a distinguished career serving in various capacities across Ghana’s judicial system, culminating in his appointment as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana seventeen years ago in 2008 – a position he still holds.
Judicial Experience
– Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana (2008 – present)
– Justice of the Court of Appeal and High Court
– Circuit Court Judge
Pre-Judicial Career
Before joining the Bench in 1992, he worked as:
– Principal Inspector of Taxes, and Head of Legal – Eastern and Volta Regions at the IRS
– Deputy Superintendent of Prisons and Head of Legal at the Prisons Service Headquarters
Education
– University of Ghana
– Ghana School of Law
– Konongo-Odumase Secondary School (O’ and A’ level certificates)
Key Roles and Expertise
Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie is an influential figure in legal education and judicial reform. He:
– Chairs the Disciplinary Committee of the General Legal Council
– Chairs the Election Management Committee of the Judicial Service
– Chairs the Finance Committee of the Judicial Service
– Has expertise in constitutional law, judicial ethics, taxation, prison administration, election law, and legal education
International Involvement
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has participated in global conferences and capacity-building initiatives, contributing to international judicial cooperation.
Leadership and Values
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie is known for his excellent leadership skills, dedication to judicial excellence, and commitment to upholding the rule of law in Ghana. He is renowned for his integrity, commitment to justice, and leadership in judicial reforms. He is a mentor to many within the judiciary and an advocate for continuous professional development and ethical practice.
