CJ Baffoe-Bonnie is President Mahama's 'surrogate' to control judiciary – Martin Amidu alleges

Former Attorney General and Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu has accused Chief Justice Paul Kwadwo Baffoe-Bonnie of serving as a “surrogate” for President John Dramani Mahama in an alleged attempt to gain control of Ghana’s judiciary. In an opinion article dated September 28, 2026, Amidu argued that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s appointment as Chief Justice forms part of what he described as President Mahama’s “long game” to influence the judiciary. He said the development should be viewed against the background of events surrounding the removal and suspension of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. He also questioned the circumstances under which Baffoe-Bonnie became Acting Chief Justice before subsequently being appointed substantive Chief Justice. According to Amidu, Baffoe-Bonnie’s professional background and career progression are relevant to understanding his current position and relationship with the Executive. The former Special Prosecutor further argued that President Mahama’s judicial “reform agenda” required a Chief Justice who would advance the government’s objectives. He cited comments attributed to Baffoe-Bonnie as evidence of what he described as the Chief Justice’s relationship with the President. “The old man's agenda is one that will benefit Ghana. We should do everything to ensure that he succeeds,” Baffoe-Bonnie was quoted as saying. “If the old man has decided that you are the right person to be in this position out of the 30 million people, it means he has a lot of confidence in you; and so, we should do everything to make sure that his agenda succeeds,” he reportedly added. Amidu said the comments raise questions about the Chief Justice’s understanding of the constitutional separation between the Executive and the Judiciary. He further criticised what he described as Baffoe-Bonnie’s conduct since assuming office, arguing that it showed a close alignment with the government. He maintained that the Chief Justice should be independent in the discharge of his responsibilities and should not be perceived as an extension of the Executive. Source: GhanaWeb (https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/CJ-Baffoe-Bonnie-is-President-Mahama-s-surrogate-to-control-judiciary-Martin-Amidu-alleges-2054549)