CDD-Ghana Warns Chief Justice Over Political Comments, Calls for Restraint

The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has cautioned Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie against public comments that could create the impression of political bias, urging him to exercise restraint and protect the Judiciary’s credibility.

The Center’s concern follows remarks made by the Chief Justice on September 2, 2026, during visits to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), alongside members of the Council for Legal Education and Training.

At MIIF, the Chief Justice praised the current management while questioning the organisation’s performance over “the past eight years.”

At SSNIT, he contrasted current operations with previous attempts to sell certain properties in the organisation’s asset portfolio, lamenting that the management of the nation’s affairs had previously “sunk so low.”

CDD-Ghana: Remarks Risk Undermining Judicial Neutrality

CDD-Ghana said the remarks appeared to contrast the performance of the current administration with that of its predecessor, creating what it described as a perception of political endorsement.

According to the Center, such commentary risks compromising the Judiciary’s non-partisan mandate and could raise concerns under the Code of Conduct for Judges and Magistrates.

The organisation stressed that judges are not expected to withdraw from public life, but their office demands the highest level of self-restraint to preserve public confidence.

“Justice must not only be done but be seen to be done,” the Center said, emphasising that judicial neutrality must be clear to the public, not merely asserted.

Public Trust in Courts Under Pressure

CDD-Ghana said the comments came at a time when public confidence in the Judiciary was already facing serious challenges.

Citing the Round 10 Afrobarometer survey, the Center said only 35% of citizens trust the courts, representing a 21-percentage-point decline since 2012.

It further noted that 62% of respondents believe judicial decisions are routinely influenced by powerful interests, while roughly half doubt that an ordinary person can obtain a fair trial.

The Center warned that these perceptions make it even more important for judicial officers to avoid conduct that could raise questions about their impartiality.

Call for Stronger Judicial Oversight

CDD-Ghana urged the Chief Justice to lead by example by adhering strictly to the Code of Conduct and limiting public appearances, including engagements with other state institutions, to matters directly related to court administration or legal development.

It also called on the Judicial Council and the Association of Judges and Magistrates to strengthen internal oversight and ensure that all judicial officers are held accountable, regardless of rank.

The Center warned that the Judiciary is a cornerstone of Ghana’s constitutional order and that any erosion of public confidence could put democratic stability at risk.

It called on the Chief Justice to reflect on the solemn responsibilities of his office, align his conduct with its ethical demands and uphold the Code of Conduct to help restore the public trust essential to the administration of justice.