Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie's Canada trip self-funded — Judicial Service
The Judicial Service has explained the circumstances surrounding Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie’s recent visit to Canada following public discussion generated by photographs showing him with the Black Stars at the ongoing FIFA World Cup.
In a statement issued on Friday, June 19, the Judicial Service said the Chief Justice travelled to Canada on vacation in his private capacity and funded the trip with his personal resources. It stressed that the visit was neither an official assignment nor financed by the state.
According to the statement, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie took time during his stay in Canada to visit the Black Stars camp and encourage the national team as it participates in the global football tournament. The Service described the visit as a personal and patriotic gesture aimed at supporting Ghana’s representatives on the world stage.
The clarification comes after photographs of the Chief Justice interacting with members of the national team circulated widely on social media, prompting public debate and speculation about the purpose of the visit.
Addressing concerns raised in some quarters, the Judicial Service stated that judicial independence does not require judges to withdraw from public life or avoid participation in national activities. It noted that judicial officers, like all citizens, have the right to engage in lawful social and national events provided such activities do not interfere with their constitutional responsibilities.
The statement emphasised that the Constitution requires judges to uphold impartiality, independence and fidelity to the law, adding that these principles continue to guide the conduct of the Chief Justice and the Judiciary as a whole.
The Service further cautioned against interpreting interactions between holders of constitutional offices as evidence of political affiliation or bias. It noted that engagements among public officials, whether formal or informal, are common in democratic societies and should not be viewed as compromising institutional independence.
Reaffirming Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s commitment to his office, the Judicial Service said the Chief Justice remains dedicated to the fair, impartial and independent administration of justice without regard to political, social or other considerations.
The statement also highlighted the Black Stars as a symbol of national unity, stressing that support for the national team should not be misconstrued as compromising the neutrality or independence of any constitutional office holder.
The Judicial Service urged the public to view the matter within its proper context and disregard what it described as unfounded interpretations of the Chief Justice’s visit, while reaffirming its commitment to preserving public confidence in the Judiciary through integrity, independence and adherence to the rule of law.