See how Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has fared as Ag. Chief Justice in one month

On Tuesday, 22 April, Ghanaians were informed of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo’s suspension, following numerous hints from leading members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on social media.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, spokesperson for the President and Minister for Government Communications, announced in a statement that a prima facie case had been established concerning three petitions calling for the removal of the Chief Justice, and a subsequent committee had been set up to investigate the allegations.

Hours after the suspension of Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo as Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, a Justice of the Supreme Court, was appointed Acting Chief Justice in accordance with Article 144(6) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates that the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court shall act in the role of Chief Justice when the position is vacant or when the incumbent is unable to perform their duties.

As his first move as Acting Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie instructed that all newly filed cases be forwarded to him for assignment and scheduling.

A circular signed by the Deputy Judicial Secretary indicated that the Acting Chief Justice would assign courts and empanel judges for all the newly filed cases and applications.

“I have been directed by the Acting Honourable Chief Justice to inform you that all newly filed cases and applications must be brought to his attention for assignments of courts/empanelling of judges where there is more than one court, and for the fixing of dates for hearing.

Take note that this directive supersedes all previous directives until further notice,” portions of the circular read.

The directive has since received backlash from the Ghana Bar Association, which issued a statement calling for the revocation of the order.

The Acting Chief Justice also directed Dr. Cyracus Badinye Bapuuroh, the Deputy Judicial Secretary, to assume the position of interim Judicial Secretary, subject to the eventual decision of the Judicial Council.

“On Wednesday, 26th March 2025, the Council accepted the request by HL Cyra Pamela Koranteng to be released from the duties of Judicial Secretary. Wherefore, you are hereby directed to assume the duties of Judicial Secretary pending decision by the Judicial Council and the eventual appointment of a substantive Judicial Secretary,” excerpts of the memo addressed to Dr Bapuuroh read.

The memo from Justice Baffoe-Bonnie followed the resignation of Justice Cyra Pamela Koranteng from the role.

Hearing of the injunctions against the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo was chaired by the Acting Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.

On 6 May, the Supreme Court resumed hearing the injunction application seeking to halt the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie empaneled new judges, presiding over the matter. A former Attorney-General, Godfred Dame, who was the lawyer for the plaintiff, objected and asked the Acting Chief Justice to recuse himself, citing that he stood to gain from the result. The objection was eventually overruled and dismissed.

While the embattled Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo fights tooth and nail to keep her job, it remains to be seen whether there will be more changes at the judiciary she once headed.

After three petitions, four lawsuits and an ongoing hearing before the committee of inquiry investigating the allegations, Ghanaians keenly anticipate the outcome.

The post See how Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has fared as Ag. Chief Justice in one month first appeared on 3News.

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