Justice Baffoe-Bonnie takes over as acting Chief Justice after Torkornoo suspension

Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie is now the Acting Chief Justice of Ghana. He takes over after the suspension of Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.

His appointment follows Article 144(6) of the 1992 Constitution. This article states that the longest-serving Supreme Court Justice acts when the Chief Justice cannot perform her duties.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie joined the Supreme Court in June 2008. He was appointed during President John Agyekum Kufuor’s administration. He steps into this role amid significant judicial scrutiny.

President John Dramani Mahama suspended Chief Justice Torkornoo. This decision came after a prima facie case was established against her. It followed three separate petitions regarding her conduct.

The suspension was made with advice from the Council of State. It is based on Articles 146(6) and 146(10) of the Constitution.

On Tuesday, the Presidency announced a five-member committee to investigate these allegations. The committee is chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang.

Other members include Judge Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, and Professor James Sefah Dzisah from the University of Ghana.

Justice Torkornoo's suspension is effective immediately by presidential warrant. She will remain suspended pending the committee’s findings.