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Mahama swears In Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as new Chief Justice
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The President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has sworn in Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Ghana’s new Chief Justice.
The swearing-in ceremony was conducted under Article 144 of the Constitution of Ghana on November 7, 2025, at the Jubilee House.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie succeeds former Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo, who was relieved of her duties by President Mahama before the latest appointment.
The new Chief Justice read three oaths — the Oath of Allegiance, the Judicial Oath and the Oath of Secrecy — before formally assuming office.
In his address, President John Dramani Mahama indicated that the appointment of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie marks a significant moment in Ghana’s democratic journey.
He explained that the office of Chief Justice is one of the most important positions under the Constitution, noting that the new head of the judiciary will serve as both a symbol and protector of justice for all citizens.
He stressed that an independent judiciary is essential to Ghana’s democracy and pledged his full commitment to safeguarding its autonomy.
He urged the new Chief Justice to uphold the highest standards of integrity, strengthen disciplinary mechanisms, modernise court processes and ensure that justice remains accessible, timely and fair.
The President encouraged collaboration with the Judicial Council, the Bar and other stakeholders to reduce delays, improve the use of technology in courts and protect the rights of vulnerable groups.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the President, the Council of State, his mentors and his family.
He promised to uphold the Constitution, protect the independence of judges and promote reforms that will make the justice system more efficient and trustworthy.
He called for accountability within the judiciary and pledged to support improvements in legal education, training and court infrastructure.
He said the judiciary must be fair, independent and accessible to all citizens, adding that justice should not intimidate the public but must be easy to understand and approach.
He promised to discharge his duties with integrity and humility and urged Ghanaians to support efforts to strengthen the justice system.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie takes office after serving in an acting capacity for seven months.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Construction of a major underground stormwater drain along the Dr. Busia Highway within the Kaneshie enclave will commence on September 7, 2026.
The Project Coordinator for the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project, Dr. Kwadwo Ohene Sarfo, announced this at a special media briefing on Wednesday.
According to him, the works will involve the construction of a double-cell underground rectangular drain measuring approximately 10 metres wide and 1.95 kilometres long, stretching from Pamprom Junction to First Light Junction.
The new drain will replace the existing two 1.2-metre diameter pipes, which are inadequate to carry the volume of stormwater in the area.
Dr. Sarfo said the drain will connect at one end to the recently completed section within the Accra Academy campus and at the other end to the existing drain at Pamprom Junction.
He said the construction is expected to run from September 2026 to October 2027.
The project forms part of government’s broader flood prevention and mitigation programme aimed at addressing perennial flooding in Accra.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has withdrawn from the party’s National Chairmanship race.
In a statement issued yesterday, Chairman Wontumi who is currently serving a 20-year jail term said his decision was driven by his love for the party and his unwillingness to let his personal circumstances distract the NPP from its rebuilding efforts.
“There are moments in the life of a man when the heart wants to continue, but duty demands sacrifice. Moments when one must quietly set aside personal ambition, not because the dream has died, but because the family he loves must not be made to carry his burden. Today, I find myself at such a painful moment,” he wrote.
He disclosed that after many nights of prayer, sober reflection and consultations with his family, legal team, party elders, campaign team and trusted supporters, he concluded that his present situation must not become an additional burden on the NPP.
“This is not the decision my heart desired, but sometimes, true love requires us to release what we deeply want in order to protect what we love even more,” he added.
Recounting his years of service, Chairman Wontumi said he had served the party with everything within him, walking through heat and rain, travelling to remote communities and standing with the grassroots in both victory and defeat.
“For many years, I have served the NPP with everything within me… The NPP is not merely a political party to me. It is my family. It is my home. It is a cause to which I have dedicated a significant part of my life,” he stated.
He explained that the party, already carrying the pain of electoral defeat and the huge responsibility of preparing for the future, should not be made to carry his personal weight.
“That is why I cannot allow my present situation or personal ambition to distract the party from the difficult work of rebuilding. I cannot ask the party to carry my weight when it is already carrying the pain of defeat and the enormous responsibility of preparing for the battle ahead. I would rather carry this pain quietly than allow the party I love to suffer because of me,” he said.
He further sympathized with his supporters across the 16 regions, acknowledging that the decision would be painful for many who had sacrificed for his campaign.
“To my teeming supporters across all sixteen regions, I know this message will hurt. I know many of you will read it with tears in your eyes because I understand the sacrifices you have made for this journey,” he said.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
