The Judicial Service has provided clarification regarding Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie’s recent trip to Canada after photographs of him visiting the Black Stars camp at the ongoing FIFA World Cup sparked public discussion.
In a statement released on Friday, June 19, the Service explained that the Chief Justice travelled to Canada on a private vacation, funded entirely with his personal resources. It emphasized that the visit was not connected to any official government assignment and did not involve the use of public funds.
According to the statement, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie used the opportunity during his stay to visit the Black Stars and offer words of encouragement as they represent Ghana on the global stage. The Judicial Service described the visit as a personal expression of patriotism and support for the national team.
The clarification comes in response to widespread reactions on social media and other platforms following the circulation of photographs showing the Chief Justice with members of the team. The images prompted public debate about the purpose and nature of the visit.
Addressing these concerns, the Judicial Service noted that judicial independence does not require judges to withdraw from public life or avoid participating in national activities. It stressed that judges, like all citizens, have the right to engage in lawful social and national events, provided such involvement does not interfere with their constitutional responsibilities.
The statement further underscored that the Constitution obliges judicial officers to maintain independence, impartiality, and loyalty to the law. It added that these principles continue to guide the conduct of the Chief Justice and the Judiciary as a whole.
The Service also warned against interpreting interactions between holders of constitutional offices—whether in official or informal settings—as evidence of bias or political allegiance. It noted that such engagements are a normal part of democratic governance and do not, by themselves, compromise institutional independence.
Reaffirming the Chief Justice’s commitment to his duties, the Judicial Service stated that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie remains dedicated to delivering justice fairly and impartially to all persons, regardless of their political affiliations, social standing, or other considerations.
The statement further described the Black Stars as a symbol of national unity, emphasizing that support for the team should not be viewed as undermining the neutrality of any constitutional office holder.
Concluding its response, the Judicial Service urged the public to view the matter within its proper context and reject what it called unfounded interpretations of the Chief Justice’s visit. It also reaffirmed its commitment to preserving public trust in the Judiciary through integrity, independence, and strict adherence to the rule of law.
