The Judicial Service has moved to clarify circumstances surrounding Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie’s presence in Canada after photographs of him visiting the Black Stars camp at the ongoing FIFA World Cup generated public discussion.

In a statement issued on Friday, June 19, the Judicial Service explained that the Chief Justice travelled to Canada on private leave and financed the trip personally, stressing that the visit was neither an official state assignment nor funded with public resources.

According to the Service, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie used the opportunity to visit Ghana’s national football team and offer words of encouragement as they participate in the global tournament. It described the visit as a personal expression of patriotism and support for the Black Stars.

The clarification follows widespread debate on social media after images of the Chief Justice interacting with members of the national team surfaced online, prompting questions about the purpose of his trip.

Addressing the concerns, the Judicial Service noted that judicial independence does not require judges to withdraw from national life or avoid lawful social engagements. It emphasised that judicial officers, like all citizens, are entitled to participate in public and national activities provided such involvement does not interfere with their constitutional responsibilities.

The statement further underscored that the independence of the Judiciary is anchored in impartiality, integrity, and fidelity to the law, principles it said continue to guide the conduct of the Chief Justice and members of the bench.

The Service also cautioned against interpreting interactions between holders of constitutional offices as evidence of political bias or compromised independence, explaining that such engagements are a normal feature of democratic governance and do not automatically undermine institutional neutrality.

Reaffirming the Chief Justice’s commitment to the administration of justice, the Judicial Service said Justice Baffoe-Bonnie remains dedicated to serving all citizens fairly and without prejudice, irrespective of political or social affiliations.

It added that the Black Stars remain a unifying symbol of national pride and that support for the team should not be misconstrued as compromising the impartiality of any public office holder.

The Judicial Service therefore urged the public to view the matter within its proper context and disregard what it described as unfounded claims, while reaffirming its commitment to upholding public confidence in the Judiciary through professionalism, integrity, and respect for the rule of law.