The Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has announced that he will retire from the bench later this year, bringing his tenure at the apex of the countr
The Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has announced that he will retire from the bench later this year, bringing his tenure at the apex of the country’s judiciary to an end.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie made the announcement at the Supreme Court Forecourt in Accra during a post-service reception held to mark the opening of the 69th Legal Year.
His announcement comes as the Supreme Court commemorates 150 years of judicial existence, dating back to the establishment of the Supreme Court of the Gold Coast in 1876.
Speaking to members of the Bench, Bar and Judicial Service, the Chief Justice reflected on the need to strengthen public confidence in the judiciary while embracing technological innovation.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie said the growing use of technology in the justice system, including electronic filing, digital case management, virtual hearings and automated tracking of cases, must not come at the expense of human dignity and constitutional rights.
He cautioned that technology should remain a tool for improving justice rather than becoming a substitute for human judgment.
The Chief Justice also reflected on the temporary nature of leadership positions within the judiciary, stressing the responsibility of every office-holder to preserve and improve the institution for future generations.
He noted that no single individual could claim ownership of the judiciary, emphasising that institutional leadership involved inheriting, building and eventually handing over a stronger institution.
Bishop Warns Judiciary Against Technology Without Ethics
The Chief Justice’s call for responsible technological advancement was reinforced by the Guest Preacher at the opening service, the Anglican Bishop of Accra, Rt. Rev. Dr. Daniel Sylvanus Mensah Torto.
Bishop Torto commended the Judicial Service for expanding digital platforms, noting that electronic filing and e-court systems could improve efficiency, transparency and reduce opportunities for corruption.
However, he warned that technological advancement must be guided by strong ethical values. He reminded members of the legal profession that “technology is a tool, not a master,” urging judges and lawyers to ensure that innovation does not undermine personal responsibility and moral judgment.
The Bishop further challenged the Bench and Bar to lead with integrity, courage and humility, reminding them of their ultimate responsibility to uphold justice.
Tribute to Justice Pwamang
During the ceremony, Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie also paid tribute to his colleague and long-standing friend, Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Pwamang.
He praised Justice Pwamang for his legal expertise, commitment and support throughout their years of service on the apex court.
The opening of the 69th Legal Year attracted senior figures from the judiciary, legal profession and political leadership.
Among those present were Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine; National President of the Ghana Bar Association, Ms Efua Ghartey; and President of the Law Society of Ghana and South Dayi MP, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor.
The ceremony also featured prayers for the judiciary and a remembrance of deceased members of the Bench and Bar.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s impending retirement adds a significant transition to a historic year for Ghana’s judiciary as the Supreme Court celebrates 150 years of its establishment.
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