‘Judges must not abandon their humanity because of their judicial office’ – Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie

Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has admitted that balancing the demands of judicial office with personal relationships and social obligations is difficult.

He insists, however, that judges should not give up their humanity because of the positions they hold.

His comments come in the wake of criticism over remarks he made about the performance of some state institutions. During recent visits to several of these institutions, the Chief Justice was heard comparing how they have fared under the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration with their performance under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.

The NPP reacted sharply, demanding that he withdraw what it called partisan political statements or step down and formally join the NDC.

Speaking at the opening of the 45th Annual Conference of the Judges and Magistrates Association of Ghana, the Chief Justice addressed the backlash. He noted that his presence at public events held in honour of close friends and relatives had sometimes drawn criticism from those who believe his office demands that he stay out of public view.

"I have in recent times run into some trouble in this office precisely because I allowed my humanity to overtake my official restraint," he said.

He added that, as Chair of the Council for Legal Education and Training, he had also carried out official visits and engagements at times when staying in the office might have been the more cautious choice.

"There have been occasions when I have attended public events to honour close friends and relatives and others when, in my capacity as chair of the Council for Legal Education and Training, I have undertaken official visits and engagements where perhaps the safer course would have been to remain behind the walls of the office," he stated.

Some of these engagements, he acknowledged, provoked strong reactions. Yet he said the experience had only strengthened his conviction.

"But these experiences, which have sometimes drawn a cacophony of noises, some of which border on pure mischief, have rather reminded me and reinforced my thinking that we must never abandon our humanity simply because we have assumed judicial office," he said.

While accepting that judicial officers are bound to exercise professional restraint, the Chief Justice argued that this should not mean cutting themselves off entirely from the relationships and responsibilities that exist beyond the courtroom.