President John Dramani Mahama has sworn into office the new Chief Justice (CJ) of the Republic of Ghana, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, at a ceremony held at the Jubilee House.

The event, conducted on November 17, 2025, in line with Article 144 of the 1992 Constitution, was described by the president as “a solemn and historic moment” for the nation.

In his address, President Mahama said the investiture marked more than a ceremonial transition, noting that it reaffirmed Ghana’s unwavering commitment to constitutionalism, the rule of law, and the independence of the judiciary.

He congratulated Justice Baffoe-Bonnie on assuming what he called “one of the most important offices under our Constitution”.

“The Chief Justice is not only the head of the judiciary,” the president said. “He is the symbol and guarantor of justice for our people.”

He highlighted the CJ’s responsibilities, which included presiding over the Supreme Court (SC), chairing the Judicial Council, and overseeing the administration of justice from the busiest courts in Accra to underserved districts across the country.

President Mahama underscored the judiciary’s role as an equal and independent arm of government, stressing that Ghana’s democratic stability depended on the delicate balance among the executive, legislature, and judiciary.

He pledged his administration’s unwavering commitment to judicial independence, describing it as “a constitutional necessity and a protection for every citizen, including the president”.

“Decisions of our courts — whether we agree or not — must be respected and enforced. This is the bedrock of the rule of law,” he said.

Strengthening Integrity and Public Confidence

The president noted that public institutions worldwide faced growing scrutiny and that Ghana’s judiciary must rise above reproach. He charged the new CJ to prioritise integrity within the judicial system through firm disciplinary standards, transparent case management, effective mechanisms for addressing misconduct, and a culture that rewarded ethical conduct.

“Our citizens must know and feel that justice in Ghana is not for sale,” he stressed.