The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has rejected calls for the resignation of Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie over remarks he made during visits to the Social Security and Nati
The report indicates that the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has rejected calls for the resignation of Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie over remarks he made during visits to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF).
It further notes that the Conference stated the calls were disproportionate, although it acknowledged that some of the Chief Justice’s comments could create concerns about the appearance of judicial impartiality.
In a statement on Sunday, September 6, the Bishops stated there was nothing improper about the Chief Justice visiting public institutions, assessing their operations or commending improvements.
It stated the concern was with the political character that some of his remarks, particularly his reference to the “past eight years”, could reasonably be understood to have acquired.
“In our national context, such a phrase is readily heard as a comparison between the present administration and its predecessor,” the Conference said.
It added that what may have started as a straightforward assessment of institutional performance “thus took on, at least in appearance, the character of a partisan judgment.”
The Bishops noted that the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development had also raised concerns that the remarks could create an impression of political endorsement and weaken confidence in judicial impartiality.
However, the Conference stated it had taken note of the Judicial Service’s clarification that the Chief Justice’s observations were made in good faith and without any intention to compromise judicial independence.
It stated the Judicial Service had also reaffirmed his commitment to the integrity of the Judiciary and equality before the law.
“We receive that clarification in good faith,” the Bishops said.
The Conference nevertheless emphasised that the episode raises important questions about judicial ethics and public trust.
It stated the Chief Justice was not an ordinary public commentator, given that courts could be called upon to determine disputes involving the government, political parties and public institutions.
“Judicial independence is not only a matter of actual impartiality; it also depends on the visible, unmistakable appearance of impartiality,” the statement said.
The Bishops, however, were clear that the controversy did not amount to evidence that the Chief Justice was partisan or that the Judiciary had been compromised.
