Parliament has approved the nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Ghana’s next Chief Justice, with 163 Members of Parliament voting in favour and 69 against. The approval was given on Thursday, November 13, 2025.
During his vetting on November 10, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie assured the Appointments Committee that he would promote equal access to justice, address delays in the judicial process, and introduce measures to improve efficiency across the courts.
He dismissed claims that his nomination was influenced by politics, stating that it was based on merit and long service to the judiciary. Justice Baffoe-Bonnie pledged to uphold transparency, efficiency, and respect for the rule of law in the administration of justice.
Debate on the floor of Parliament ahead of the vote was marked by disagreement between the Majority and Minority caucuses.
The Minority argued that the approval should be deferred until pending legal issues involving the former Chief Justice were resolved.
The motion was, however, carried after a headcount confirmed a clear majority in favour of the nominee.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has served on the Supreme Court since 2008 and is one of the longest-serving members of the bench.
He will succeed Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
He is expected to be sworn in by President John Dramani Mahama in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
The approval came on the same day Parliament was scheduled to receive the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy.
