NPP Demands Chief Justice Retract Partisan Comments or Resign

Ghana’s opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to immediately retract what it describes as partisan comments or resign from office and formally join the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The demand was contained in a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, September 3, 2026, and signed by NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong.

The party’s reaction follows the circulation of a video in which it claims the Chief Justice made political comparisons between the performance of the current NDC administration and the previous NPP government.

The NPP said the remarks were inconsistent with the constitutional responsibility of the head of Ghana’s Judiciary, arguing that the Chief Justice must remain politically neutral and independent.

The party took particular exception to what it described as the Chief Justice’s reported vow that “everything must be done to ensure that the agenda of the President succeeds.”

Questioning the statement, the NPP asked: “Which agenda, My Lord?” and linked the concern to the government’s Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative and ongoing prosecutions involving some persons associated with the NPP.

The opposition party cited Articles 125 and 127 of the 1992 Constitution, arguing that they guarantee the independence of the Judiciary and protect judicial officers from political control or direction.

It further referenced the judicial oath, insisting that the Chief Justice’s loyalty must be to the Constitution and not to any President, political party or government programme.

According to the NPP, public alignment with an Executive agenda could undermine public confidence in the impartiality of the courts, particularly in cases involving political actors.

The party warned that such conduct could make accused persons and ordinary citizens question whether they would receive fair and independent justice.

The NPP also accused the Chief Justice of developing a pattern of close association with political appointees and activities of the current administration.

It argued that his frequent presence at government-related functions could create the perception that the Judiciary is becoming politically aligned with the Executive.

The party further revived its concerns about criminal proceedings involving some of its members, alleging that Ghana was operating what it described as a two-speed justice system.

It cited the incarceration of Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, as an example of what it considers selective application of judicial processes.

The NPP also questioned the speed with which vacation warrants had allegedly been issued in politically sensitive cases involving its members.

The party also turned its attention to the state of Ghana’s court infrastructure.

It accused the Chief Justice of failing to sufficiently address deteriorating court facilities, overwhelmed registries and difficult working conditions for judicial staff.

The NPP contrasted the situation with what it described as the Chief Justice’s visible engagement with state institutions under the Executive.

In a pointed statement, the party said: “With respect, My Lord, the leaking roofs are in your courts, not in the ministries.”

The NPP accused the Chief Justice of appearing more focused on monitoring the Executive’s activities and pursuing cases involving opposition figures than on reforms aimed at improving justice delivery.

The party is demanding that the Chief Justice:

Immediately and unreservedly retract the comments it considers partisan.

Withdraw his reported pledge to support the President’s agenda.

Resign as Chief Justice if he refuses to retract the remarks.

Formally join the NDC if he intends to continue pursuing what the NPP considers a political agenda.

Have President John Dramani Mahama fill the vacant position on the Council of State.

Have the President publicly clarify any alleged arrangement concerning the Chief Justice’s post-retirement future.

The NPP also announced plans for a major press conference, where it says it will present what it calls the full record of the Chief Justice’s conduct to the Ghanaian public.

The party maintained that the Judiciary belongs to the people of Ghana and must remain independent of both the governing NDC and opposition NPP.

As of Thursday, September 3, there had been no public response from Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie or the Judicial Service to the allegations contained in the NPP statement.