Ghana’s Judicial Service explains chief justice’s statements on state enterprises
Ghana’s Judicial Service said that Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie’s comments on the work of state-owned enterprises were made in good faith and were not intended to undermine judicial independence. The institution responded to the mixed public reaction to his remarks.
As MyJoyOnline reports, the statement, released on September 4, was signed by the judicial secretary. It said that the chief justice had taken note of the public reaction to observations made during recent visits to state institutions.
Visits to SSNIT and MIIF
On September 2, Baffoe-Bonnie visited the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF). During his visit to MIIF, he positively assessed the institution’s work and asked what had been happening in Ghana over the previous eight years, given the changes he had seen and heard about in some state institutions.
At SSNIT, the chief justice also mentioned previous plans to dispose of part of the institution’s assets, including the Labadi Beach Hotel. He compared this with what he described as improved management of state institutions under the current administration.
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Reaction to the remarks
The Ghana Center for Democratic Development called on the chief justice to exercise restraint and caution during public appearances. The organization believes that comparing the current administration with the previous one may create an impression of political bias and weaken trust in the judiciary.
The New Patriotic Party also criticized the comments, questioning the chief justice’s neutrality. Activist and physician Arthur Kobina Kennedy and other commentators said that Baffoe-Bonnie’s words could be perceived as political commentary by the head of an independent branch of government. At the same time, some members of the public supported his right to speak about the work of state institutions if such assessments are based on measurable indicators and national development considerations.
The Judicial Service also emphasized that the chief justice is committed to protecting the integrity and independence of the judiciary, as well as promoting justice and equality before the law.
