The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has opposed the nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice, describing the move by the Mahama administra
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has opposed the nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice, describing the move by the Mahama administration as a breach of Ghana’s constitutional order.
In a statement dated November 10, 2025, and signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the NPP argued that the nomination is premature, as the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo remains the subject of active legal challenges before Ghana’s courts and the ECOWAS Court of Justice.
According to the party, proceeding with a new appointment while the matter is pending “constitutes a pre-emptive assault on the judicial function” and undermines the separation of powers.
The NPP also raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest, noting that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie previously presided over proceedings related to the case that paved the way for his nomination. Citing the legal principle nemo judex in causa sua — meaning “no one should be a judge in their own cause” — the statement said the situation “erodes public trust in the judiciary and compromises judicial independence.”
While acknowledging Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s distinguished record on the bench, the NPP described his acceptance of the nomination as “a failure of judicial leadership” and urged him to demonstrate restraint in the interest of the judiciary’s integrity.
The party further cautioned the Mahama administration against using “political force” to influence judicial appointments, warning that such actions could endanger Ghana’s constitutional stability.
Reaffirming its commitment to the 1992 Constitution, the NPP vowed to “defend Ghana’s democracy and uphold the rule of law.”