Goaso-born Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie officially assumed the role of acting Chief Justice on April 23.
This change followed the suspension of the incumbent Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkonoo, by President John Dramani Mahama, pending a comprehensive investigation into three petitions requesting her removal from office.
Nominated to the Supreme Court by President Kufuor in 2008, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie is currently the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court.
Background
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, 68, was born to the late Opanin Joseph Baffoe-Bonnie and Madam Ama Kyerewaa.
He received his basic education in Goaso, the capital of the Ahafo region, before attending Konongo Odumasi Senior High School for his G.C.E. Ordinary and Advanced Levels.
He later graduated from the University of Ghana Law School.
Automatic assumption
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s new position at the Supreme Court was assumed automatically, rather than through a formal appointment.
According to Article 128(3) of the 1992 Constitution, the Chief Justice presides at the sittings of the Supreme Court, and in their absence, the most senior Justice present shall preside. Additionally, Article 144(6) states that when the office of the Chief Justice is vacant, or if the Chief Justice is unable to perform their duties for any reason, the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court will assume those responsibilities until a new Chief Justice is appointed or the current Chief Justice can resume their functions.
