The Judicial Service has explained the context of Chief, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie’s, visit to Canada, after public debate erupted over photos of him with the Black Stars during the ongoing FIFA World Cup.
In a release issued on Friday, June 19, the Judicial Service stated the Chief Justice was in Canada on official leave and travelled in his personal capacity, using his own funds.
It emphasised that the trip was not connected to any state duty or public spending.
According to the release, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie used his stay to visit the national team and motivate them as they compete in the global tournament.
The Service described the move as a personal, patriotic gesture of support for the Black Stars.
The clarification came after widespread social media reaction when images of the Chief Justice with the team surfaced online, fuelling questions about the purpose of the visit.
Addressing public concerns, the Judicial Service noted that judicial independence does not mean judges must withdraw from public life or avoid taking part in national events.
It said judges, as citizens, may participate in lawful social and national activities, so long as those engagements do not affect their constitutional responsibilities.
The statement further underlined that the Constitution demands judicial officers maintain independence of mind, impartiality and faithfulness to the law, adding that these standards continue to shape the conduct of the Chief Justice and the Judiciary.
It also warned against reading interactions between holders of constitutional offices—whether formal or informal—as proof of bias or political leanings, noting that such contact is normal in democratic governance and does not on its own weaken institutional independence.
Reaffirming the Chief Justice’s dedication to his role, the Service said Justice Baffoe-Bonnie remains committed to the fair and impartial delivery of justice to all persons, irrespective of political, social or other factors.
It further portrayed the Black Stars as a unifying national emblem, adding that backing the team should not be seen as eroding the neutrality of any constitutional office holder.
The Judicial Service urged the public to view the matter in its right context and ignore what it called baseless interpretations of the Chief Justice’s visit, restating its resolve to sustain public trust in the Judiciary through integrity, independence and adherence to the rule of law.
