News
Mahama swears In Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as new Chief Justice
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
![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth-400x240.jpg)
![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth-80x80.jpg)
![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Accra Technical University (ATU) on Tuesday officially launched its Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 in Accra, aimed at driving innovation and strengthening institutional capacity across key operational areas.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Humphrey Awuletey Williams, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oswal Investments Limited, explained that the strategic plan seeks to respond to emerging challenges while positioning the institution as a forward-thinking leader in development.
He urged the university’s leadership to leverage their expertise to train students to be innovative and produce competitive products for both African and international markets.
According to him, employers increasingly demand competence-based human capital beyond academic certificates to drive development.
Mr Williams commended the Governing Council, Academic Board, Management, and other stakeholders for developing what he described as a ‘formative tool,’ and encouraged them to ensure its full implementation.
The Vice Chancellor of ATU, Mr Amevi Acapkvovi, emphasised that the strategic plan focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening stakeholder engagement.
“The strategic plan is not just a document, but a commitment to excellence, accountability and progress,” he said, adding that inclusivity is also central to the institution’s operations.
He outlined seven key focus areas of the plan: industry-based education; digital transformation and modernised infrastructure; quality assurance and institutional excellence; industry-driven research, innovation and entrepreneurship; staff development, motivation and welfare; strategic partnerships and increased visibility; and sustainable and green technologies.
Prof. Ernest Abotsi, stressed that the plan must not ‘gather dust’ but should be actively implemented to achieve success.
“Currently, ATU is adopting measures to assess the cost of running the institution, and this plan will serve as a guide to promote the university at every level,” he said.
Stakeholders present lauded the initiative, noting that its clear framework and measurable targets would help track progress and ensure transparency in the institution’s operations.
The university expressed confidence that, with support from partners and staff, the plan would significantly contribute to national development and set a benchmark for excellence in the sector.
The ceremony brought together stakeholders from government, traditional leadership, academia, industry, and civil society.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
It was an exciting moment as hundreds of revellers from various parts of Accra trooped to the Independence Square beach in Osu to celebrate Easter.
Dressed in all kinds of beach costumes, parents were seen with their children having fun and enjoying the moment.
Others made the best of their outing by engaging in other fun activities.
The revellers engaged in games such as football, ampe, athletics while others just sat, relaxed to release stress amidst music provided by some revellers.
By Lizzy Okai
