A private Ghanaian citizen has formally petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to initiate proceedings for the removal of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, who is currently acting as Chief Justice, over alleged misconduct.
The petition, dated October 6, 2025, and received by the Presidency on October 7, was submitted by Ghande Nalin Yussif.
It invokes Article 146(1) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which provides for the removal of a justice of the superior courts for “stated misbehaviour,” incompetence, or an inability to perform judicial functions due to infirmity.
Mr. Yussif alleges that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s conduct violates both the Judicial Code of Conduct for Judges and Magistrates of Ghana and the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct.
A key accusation in the petition is that the acting Chief Justice allegedly made inappropriate remarks to a plaintiff in a pending constitutional case—comments the petitioner claims compromise judicial impartiality and propriety.
The petition further contends that such behaviour undermines public confidence in the judiciary, breaches the principles of independence, integrity, and impartiality, and may constitute a conflict of interest.
Mr. Yussif has therefore appealed to President Mahama to refer the matter to a tribunal for investigation and, if Justice Baffoe-Bonnie is found culpable, to remove him from office.
The petition reads in part: “I therefore respectfully petition Your Excellency to take immediate steps under Article 146 of the Constitution to ensure that this matter is investigated by the appropriate tribunal and that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie is removed from office should he be found culpable.”
Mr. Yussif added that he has attached supporting documents, including “copies of media publications of the meeting and a copy of the Writ issued by the plaintiffs,” to substantiate his claims.
Appointment as Chief Justice
On September 23, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama officially nominated His Lordship Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie for the position of Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana.
The nomination, made in line with Article 144(1) of the 1992 Constitution, has been forwarded to the Council of State for consideration.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, a highly respected member of Ghana’s judiciary, has served with distinction across various levels of the legal system.
His career spans decades of service at the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and currently the Supreme Court, where he has built a reputation for diligence, integrity, and fairness.
Throughout his tenure, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has made significant contributions to Ghanaian jurisprudence, shaping critical legal precedents and strengthening the rule of law.
His deep knowledge of the law, coupled with his impartiality and intellectual rigour, has earned him the respect of colleagues within the Bench and Bar, as well as the broader legal fraternity.
President Mahama emphasised that the wealth of experience of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie and long service on the Bench make him eminently qualified to occupy the highest judicial office of the land.
His nomination comes after he had been serving as Acting Chief Justice since April 22, 2025, following the retirement of his predecessor.
