The Judicial Service of Ghana has issued a strongly worded press release clarifying the circumstances surrounding Chief Justice Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie’s visit to the Black Stars camp in Canada, dismissing speculation that the appearance compromised judicial independence.

In the statement released today, the Judicial Service confirmed that the Chief Justice is currently on official vacation and that his trip to Canada was undertaken in his private capacity and entirely at his own expense.

While in Canada, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, described as a “patriotic Ghanaian and keen sports enthusiast,” visited the senior national football team’s camp to offer words of encouragement as the Black Stars participate in the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

“The visit was motivated solely by a desire to support the national team and should be viewed in that light,” the statement emphasised.

The release comes after photographs of the Chief Justice with the Black Stars players and officials circulated widely on social media, sparking public commentary and speculation about potential implications for judicial impartiality.

Judicial independence and civic life

The Judicial Service stressed that judicial independence does not require judges to isolate themselves from society.

“Judges remain citizens of the Republic and members of the communities they serve,” the statement noted. “What the Constitution requires of judges is independence of mind, fidelity to the law, and impartiality in the discharge of their judicial functions.”

The Service further explained that in any democratic society, holders of constitutional offices inevitably interact with one another in both official and unofficial settings. Such encounters, it said, should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of bias or political affiliation.

Unity through national symbols

The press release highlighted the unifying role of national institutions, particularly the Black Stars.

“Supporting the national team should not be misconstrued as compromising the impartiality or independence of any constitutional office holder,” it added.

The Judicial Service urged the public and media to view the visit in its proper context — as “an ordinary and patriotic gesture of support” — and to disregard unfounded suggestions attributing ulterior motives to the Chief Justice.

The statement reaffirmed the Chief Justice’s and the Judiciary’s unwavering commitment to the Constitution, judicial independence, and the fair administration of justice to all Ghanaians regardless of political persuasion or social status.