The Ghana Centre for Democratic Development, CDD-Ghana, has urged Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, to show caution and circumspection in his public statements in order to protect the neutrality and integrity of the Judiciary.
The appeal comes after comments made by the Chief Justice on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, during working visits to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) with members of the Council for Legal Education and Training.
While at MIIF, the Chief Justice commended the current leadership of the fund but cast doubt on its record over the “past eight years.”
At SSNIT, he also drew a contrast between the present state of the Trust and past moves to dispose of some of its assets, bemoaning how low the country’s governance had fallen in the past.
However, in a statement released on Friday, September 4, CDD-Ghana contended that the Chief Justice’s remarks constituted a direct comparison between the present and past governments and gave the impression of partisan support.
“Such commentary creates a perception of political bias, compromises the Judiciary’s non-partisan mandate, and risks breaching the Code of Conduct for Judges and Magistrates,” the Centre stated.
The think-tank cautioned that the remarks were made at a time when public trust in Ghana’s Judiciary is already facing serious challenges.
It referenced the 2024 Afrobarometer Round 10 survey, which showed that only 35% of Ghanaians have confidence in the courts, a drop of 21 percentage points since 2012. The survey further revealed that 62% of citizens believe court rulings are often swayed by influential persons, while nearly half of respondents expressed doubt that an ordinary Ghanaian can secure a fair trial.
CDD-Ghana emphasised that judges are not expected to completely isolate themselves from public life but must apply the needed restraint to maintain public confidence in the justice system.
“Justice must not only be done but be seen to be done,” the Center noted, adding that the principle demands a clear display of impartiality.
The organisation has therefore called on the Chief Justice to strictly observe the Code of Conduct for Judges and Magistrates and restrict public engagements, including visits to other state agencies, to issues directly connected to judicial administration or legal reforms.
It has also urged the Judicial Council and the Association of Judges and Magistrates to enhance internal supervision and ensure that judicial officers are held to account irrespective of their status.
CDD-Ghana said the Judiciary remains a key pillar of Ghana’s constitutional democracy and warned that any dent on its credibility could threaten democratic stability.
The Centre further called on the Chief Justice to consider the weight of his office, conduct himself in line with its ethical requirements, and take measures to rebuild public trust which it described as vital for justice delivery.
