Ghana is set to welcome Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as its next Chief Justice, marking the culmination of a judicial career that spans more than four decades.
Born in Goaso in the Ahafo Region on 26 December 1956, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has earned a reputation for legal rigor, public service, and dedication to the development of Ghana’s judiciary.
Educated initially at Goaso R/C Primary and Middle Schools and later at Konongo-Odumasi Secondary School, he proceeded to the University of Ghana, Legon, graduating in 1979. He completed his professional legal training at the Ghana School of Law, entering the legal profession in 1981.
Before ascending to the bench, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie built an extensive career in law and public administration.
He completed national service with the Ghana United Nations Association and the World Federation of United Nations Associations, taught in Oyo State, Nigeria, and practised law in Sekondi and Kumasi.
His early public service included roles as Deputy Superintendent of Prisons and Principal Inspector of Taxes, where he led the Legal Department for Ghana’s Eastern and Volta Regions.
Appointed to the judiciary in 1993, he began as a Circuit Court Judge in Duayaw Nkwanta, later serving across Kumasi, Sunyani, and Accra, before elevation to the Court of Appeal in 2006 and the Supreme Court in 2008.
On 22 April 2025, he assumed the role of Acting Chief Justice, a position reflecting decades of commitment to Ghana’s judicial system.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has held multiple leadership roles, including Acting Chairperson of the General Legal Council, Acting Chairman of the Board of Legal Education, and Acting Chairman of the Judicial Council.
He has also chaired committees overseeing disciplinary matters, finance, and election management within the judiciary.
Internationally, he has participated in high-level judicial conferences across Africa, India, Scotland, Egypt, Morocco, and the United States. Domestically, he has served as a resource person for judges and magistrates, particularly in election law and alternative dispute resolution.
A prolific contributor to legal scholarship, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has authored and overseen multiple editions of Ghana’s Manual on Election Adjudication, providing critical guidance on election law and judicial processes.
His appointment as Chief Justice signals continuity, experience, and a commitment to strengthening Ghana’s judiciary during a pivotal period for the country’s democratic institutions.
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