Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, the most senior member of Ghana’s Supreme Court, has been appointed acting Chief Justice following the suspension of Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo.

His appointment is in line with Article 144(6) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates that the most senior judge of the Supreme Court assumes the role of Chief Justice when the position becomes vacant or the incumbent is unable to carry out their duties.

Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie with over 17 years on the Supreme Court bench, his career reflects an enduring legacy of impartiality, incisiveness, and a commitment to upholding the rule of law.

Appointed by President John Agyekum Kufuor in 2008, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has cemented his reputation as a “no-nonsense judge,” earning the respect of legal practitioners and citizens alike.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s tenure on the bench is defined by his sharp legal mind and unwavering dedication to delivering justice. His evocative nickname, “wicked dagger,” metaphorically captures his judicial approach-sharp, precise, and uncompromising.

At 68 years old, he remains a towering figure, both literally and metaphorically, with two years left before the mandatory retirement age of 70.

He was born Goase Mempeasem, Ghana to Opanyin Baffoe-Bonnie from Sewua in the Bosomtwe district and Ama Kyerewaa from Breman in Kumasi. He attended the Goaso Local Authority primary and middle schools obtaining a Middle School Leaving Certificate in the 1960s.

He also attended the Konongo Odumase Secondary School for his GCE Ordinary Level and GCE Advanced Level certificates and then proceed to the University of Ghana and the Ghana Law School.

In 1981, he was called to the bar. He worked as a Circuit Court Judge in Kumasi and served as High Court Judge at Duayaw Nkwanta. Prior to his appointment as a Supreme Court Judge by the President of Ghana John Kufuor in June 2008, he served as an Appeals Court judge.

Paul Kwadwo Baffoe-Bonnie was on the panel of Supreme Court Judges who ruled against a petition where the New Patriotic Party asked for about four million votes to be scrapped after it was alleged to be tampered with in the 2012 Ghanaian general election.