“Baffoe-Bonnie Is Mahama’s Surrogate in a Long Game to Control the Judiciary” – Martin Amidu

Former Attorney General and Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu has accused Chief Justice Paul Kwadwo Baffoe-Bonnie of being too closely aligned with President John Dramani Mahama, describing him as a “surrogate” in what he sees as an attempt to influence Ghana’s judiciary.

Mr Amidu’s criticism centres partly on comments attributed to the Chief Justice about President Mahama and his agenda.

“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.

He reportedly added: “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.”

In an opinion article dated September 28, 2026, Mr Amidu argued that such remarks raise questions about the Chief Justice’s understanding of the constitutional separation between the Executive and the Judiciary.

He also criticised what he described as Baffoe-Bonnie’s conduct since taking office, claiming that it reflected a close relationship with the government.

According to the former Special Prosecutor, President Mahama’s judicial “reform agenda” forms part of a broader “long game” to influence the judiciary.

He argued that the President would need a Chief Justice who could advance that agenda and questioned whether Baffoe-Bonnie was serving that purpose.

Mr Amidu also raised questions about the circumstances surrounding Baffoe-Bonnie’s rise from Acting Chief Justice to the substantive position.

He said the Chief Justice’s professional background and career progression were relevant to understanding his current position and relationship with the Executive.

The former Attorney General further linked his concerns to the events surrounding the removal and suspension of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

He maintained that the Chief Justice must remain independent in the discharge of his responsibilities and should not be perceived as an extension of the Executive.