Judicial independence at risk – Jerry Ahmed Shaib calls for Chief Justice to step down

Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe Constituency and Second Deputy Minority Whip, Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib Esq., has called for the immediate resignation of Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, citing concerns about public confidence in the independence and conduct of the Judiciary.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Hon. Shaib said issues surrounding the Judiciary have reached a point where responsible political leaders cannot remain silent, stressing that the Judiciary belongs to the people of Ghana and must be protected from political interference.

At the centre of his concerns, he said, is the conduct of the Chief Justice.

*The warning*

Hon. Shaib recalled that when President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC administration moved against then Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, the Minority opposed her suspension and the Article 146 process, warning that it should not become an avenue for political influence over the Judiciary.

He said those concerns were dismissed at the time, and when Justice Baffoe-Bonnie was nominated and appeared before the Appointments Committee on 10th November 2025, the Minority described him as a "disputed nominee" and walked out, voting en bloc against him.

*Constitution and Code of Conduct*

The MP cited Article 125(1) of the 1992 Constitution which states that the Judiciary "shall be independent and subject only to this Constitution," and Article 127 which protects judges from interference. He also cited the Judicial Oath which requires judges to act "without fear or favour, affection or ill-will."

He further referenced the Code of Conduct for Judges and Magistrates, which he said requires judges to avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety, and to maintain separation from partisan political activity.

According to him, judicial office requires discretion and restraint, and the conduct of the Chief Justice must be assessed by how it affects public confidence.

*Concerns about conduct and courtroom pattern*

Hon. Shaib raised concerns about what he described as the Chief Justice touring offices of state-owned enterprises, praising their performance and making comments about the performance of the previous government.

He also questioned the Chief Justice's presence at social functions involving senior government officials and persons associated with the governing establishment, arguing that even if attendance is permissible, the holder of the office must consider the perception of political association.