The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has urged Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to exercise greater caution in his public statements and engagements to protect the perceived neutrality and credibility of the Judiciary. 

The call follows comments attributed to the Chief Justice during separate visits to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

The Chief Justice was visiting the two institutions with members of the Council for Legal Education and Training.

At MIIF, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie commended the institution’s current management but questioned its performance over the previous eight years.

He made similar remarks at SSNIT, where he referred to past efforts to dispose of some of the institution’s properties and criticised the manner in which the country had previously been governed.

In a statement issued on Friday, September 4, CDD-Ghana said the comments could be interpreted as a favourable comparison between the current and previous administrations.

The organisation warned that such remarks could create an impression of political alignment and undermine confidence in the Judiciary’s obligation to remain non-partisan.

CDD-Ghana also raised concerns that the comments could be inconsistent with provisions of the Code of Conduct for Judges and Magistrates.

The Centre said the timing of the remarks was particularly concerning given what it described as declining public confidence in the judicial system.

It cited findings from the 2024 Afrobarometer Round 10 survey, which showed that only 35% of Ghanaians expressed trust in the courts — a 21-percentage-point decline from the level recorded in 2012.

The survey further indicated that 62% of respondents believed judicial decisions were frequently influenced by powerful interests, while roughly half questioned whether ordinary citizens could secure a fair trial.

CDD-Ghana acknowledged that judges are not expected to completely withdraw from public engagements but said judicial officers must exercise restraint to ensure their conduct does not cast doubt on their independence.

“Justice must not only be done but be seen to be done,” the organisation stated, stressing that the principle demands a clear and consistent appearance of impartiality.

The Centre has therefore appealed to the Chief Justice to strictly observe the Code of Conduct for Judges and Magistrates and carefully consider the nature of his public engagements.

It wants appearances involving other state institutions to be limited largely to issues concerning court administration, the justice system or legal development.

CDD-Ghana has also called on the Judicial Council and the Association of Judges and Magistrates to strengthen mechanisms for internal oversight and accountability within the Judiciary.

The organisation warned that the Judiciary’s integrity is central to Ghana’s constitutional democracy and that any loss of public confidence in the institution could have wider implications for democratic governance.

It is therefore urging the Chief Justice to reflect on the ethical responsibilities attached to his office and take steps to reinforce public trust in the administration of justice.

Source: Classfmonline