The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called for the resignation of Ghana’s Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, accusing him of engaging in partisan political conduct that, the party says, threatens the independence and neutrality of the Judiciary.
In a statement dated September 3 and signed by its General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, the opposition party said it was responding to a video circulating publicly in which the Chief Justice allegedly compared the performance of the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) government and its chief executive officers with that of the previous NPP administration.
The NPP described the reported comments as inappropriate for the head of Ghana’s Judiciary and accused the Chief Justice of entering the political arena.
“This is not the language of a Chief Justice,” the party said, arguing that the remarks were more consistent with political party communication than the conduct expected from the head of an independent arm of government.
NPP Cites Constitutional Provisions
The party referred to Articles 125 and 127 of the 1992 Constitution, which provide for the independence of the Judiciary and set out the judicial oath requiring judges to administer justice without fear or favour, affection or ill will.
According to the NPP, the alleged remarks form part of a broader pattern that raises questions about the Chief Justice’s political neutrality.
The party also criticised what it described as the Chief Justice’s frequent attendance at events involving political appointees of the current administration. It argued that such appearances could create public perceptions of bias, particularly in cases involving the Executive.
The NPP further raised concerns about what it described as a pledge by the Chief Justice to do everything possible to support the President’s agenda.
Concerns Over ORAL Cases
The party linked the reported pledge to the government’s Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative, pointing out that some individuals associated with the NPP are facing prosecution before the courts.
The NPP argued that these circumstances could undermine public confidence in the Judiciary and create the impression that the courts are aligned with the interests of the Executive.
The party also questioned what it described as the speed at which vacation warrants had been issued in cases involving NPP members, citing the incarceration of its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
It alleged that the justice system appeared to be operating at different speeds depending on whether cases involved government supporters or opponents.
However, the NPP did not provide detailed evidence in its statement to substantiate its broader allegation that the Judiciary was coordinating with the Presidency.
NPP Raises Court Infrastructure Concerns
Beyond its allegations of political interference, the opposition party criticised the state of court infrastructure and justice delivery.
It claimed that some courtrooms and registries were in poor condition and that judicial staff were working under difficult circumstances, which it said affected the administration of justice.
The party accused the Chief Justice of paying greater attention to engagements involving government agencies than to challenges within the Judiciary.
Demand for Resignation
The NPP said it would hold a major press conference in the coming days to present what it described as the “full record” of the Chief Justice’s conduct.
The party insisted that the Judiciary belongs to the people of Ghana and must remain independent of both the Presidency and political parties.
It therefore demanded that the Chief Justice withdraw what it described as partisan comments and his reported commitment to the President’s agenda.
Should he fail to do so, the NPP called on him to resign and urged him to formally join the NDC, accusing him of promoting the party’s interests while serving as head of the Judiciary.
The party also called on the President to fill a vacancy on the Council of State and publicly clarify any arrangements concerning the Chief Justice’s post-retirement future.
The NPP concluded by pledging to use “every lawful means” available to resist what it described as any attempt to turn the courts into instruments of political persecution.
There was no response included in the statement from the Chief Justice, the Presidency or the NDC regarding the allegations.
