Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie clarifies controversial remarks

The Judicial Service has clarified that recent comments made by the Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie about the performance of some state-owned institutions were made in good faith and were not intended to undermine judicial independence.

In a statement signed by Judicial Secretary Musah Ahmed on September 4, 2026, the Chief Justice said he had taken note of mixed public reactions to observations he made during an outreach engagement.

According to the statement, the remarks concerned the performance of state-owned entities and were not meant to serve any purpose inimical to the independence of the Judiciary.

“The Chief Justice remains committed to upholding the integrity and independence of the Judiciary, and the promotion of justice and equality before the law,” the release said.

Background
The Chief Justice made the controversial remarks during a working visit to the Mineral Income Investment Fund (MIIF) on Wednesday, September 2, where he commended the institution after he was awestruck by its improved performance.

He said the performance of some state institutions under the current administration had made him wonder why same were not achieved in the past eight years.

“You have done marvellously well. Sometimes when we hear the things that you have done and the things that some organisations are doing now, we wonder what really we have been doing in the past eight years,” the Chief Justice said.

The comments have attracted criticism from sections of the public who argue that the reference to the previous eight years carries a political undertone and could create an impression of bias on the part of the head of the Judiciary.

Read full statement below: