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Chief Justice’s public visits not improper, but ‘past 8 years’ remark could be political – Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has defended Chief Justice Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, stating that there was nothing wrong with him visiting public institutions and commending improvements in their operations.
The Conference, however, expressed concern over the political interpretation of some of his recent remarks during visits to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF).
In a statement issued on Sunday, September 6, the bishops explained that the visits themselves were not inappropriate, noting that public institutions belonged to the people of Ghana.
“There is nothing improper, in itself, in the Chief Justice visiting public institutions, acquainting himself with their operations, or commending genuine improvement,” the statement noted.
However, the Conference indicated that the Chief Justice’s reference to the “past eight years” could reasonably be interpreted as a comparison between the current administration and its predecessor.
According to the bishops, the remark may have created an impression of a partisan judgment, even if that was not the Chief Justice’s intention.
The Conference noted that concerns had already been raised by the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development, which warned that such remarks could create an impression of political endorsement and weaken public confidence in judicial impartiality.
It acknowledged a clarification by the Judicial Service, which explained that the Chief Justice’s comments were made in good faith and were not intended to compromise judicial independence.
The bishops stated that they accepted the clarification in good faith but maintained that judicial independence depended not only on actual impartiality but also on the public perception of impartiality.
They stressed that the Chief Justice must remain, and be seen to remain, above partisan politics because the courts could be called upon to adjudicate cases involving governments, political parties and public institutions.
However, the Conference clarified that its concerns should not be interpreted as an accusation that the Chief Justice was partisan or that the Judiciary had been compromised.
It described calls for his resignation based solely on the remarks as disproportionate.
The bishops suggested that the Chief Justice could have commended the achievements of SSNIT and MIIF without comparing the performance of one administration with another.
They further appealed to the governing party and the opposition not to exploit the matter for partisan advantage.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced a US$2 billion investment in Energy Infrastructure under Pillar three of the New Economy Programme.
Presenting the 2027 Budget, Dr. Forson said construction will begin in December 2026 on a 1,450 MW thermal power plant at Kafodzidzi-Abrobeano in the Central Region.
He said the plant will be fully funded and owned by the state, with the first 600 MW expected by December 2028 and the remaining 850 MW by December 2030.
The plant will use approximately 150 million standard cubic feet of additional gas daily from the Sankofa and Jubilee fields.
Dr. Forson also announced the construction of a fully state-owned 600 MW solar power plant supported by 2,000 MWh of battery storage.
He said together with the thermal plant, the facilities will provide electricity for homes and industries to phase out emergency power plants by 2030.
The Minister said government will invest US$500 million between 2027 and 2030 to modernise the transmission system and deploy two million prepaid meters to improve collection.
On nuclear energy, Dr. Forson announced a US$200 million investment in a 24-month nuclear-readiness programme from January 2027 to December 2028.
He said more than 2,000 scientists will be trained to develop local expertise in safe and reliable nuclear power.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has clarified the support it has provided to Sandra Baafi, a victim of the Kumasi recruitment stampede, following a viral publication about her condition on social media.
In a press release issued on Friday, November 13, 2026, the Armed Forces said Baafi was admitted to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital from November 12, 2025, to February 26, 2026, following the stampede.
According to the statement, she was later airlifted to the 37 Military Hospital at the family’s request, with the Armed Forces covering her medical expenses of GH¢100,000.
The military added that after her discharge, it assured the family that the 4 Medical Reception Station in Kumasi would continue providing medical care until her full recovery.
As part of its support to the family, the Ghana Armed Forces also offered a recruitment opportunity to a nominated family member.
Her sister, Mercy Bioh, is currently undergoing training at the Army Recruit Training School at Shai Hills.
The statement further disclosed that on October 28, 2026, Baafi’s mother received GH¢30,000 in financial assistance and an air bed to support her daughter’s care and comfort.
The Armed Forces also offered the family a wheelchair, which they declined because they already had one. An ambulance service to Kumasi was also offered, but the family opted to travel with the National Ambulance Service.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Baafi’s medical care and welfare until she fully recovers.
By: Jacob Aggrey
