Justice Gabriel Pwamang to assume role as acting Chief Justice

The Acting Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana, His Lordship Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has formally announced that he will be away from the country between Monday, August 18, and Thursday, August 28, 2025.

In a circular dated August 13, 2025, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie explained that during this period, the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court, His Lordship Justice Gabriel Pwamang, will step in to discharge the duties of the Chief Justice.

The directive, which was widely circulated across the judicial service, was addressed to Justices of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, the High Court, and heads of various judicial divisions and units. It was also copied to members of the Judicial Council, the General Legal Council, and the Acting Judicial Secretary.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, who has been at the helm of the judiciary in an acting capacity following the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo earlier this year, extended his compliments to colleagues as he temporarily hands over the reins of the office.

Justice Gabriel Pwamang, who is widely recognized as one of the most senior and respected justices on the bench, is expected to bring his wealth of experience to the role during the short period. Appointed to the Supreme Court in 2015, Justice Pwamang is known for his depth of legal knowledge, independence of thought, and dedication to constitutionalism. His assumption of the role underscores the judiciary’s reliance on seniority and established institutional traditions in ensuring stability.

The transition comes at a time when the judiciary has been under heightened public and political scrutiny, particularly after the suspension of Chief Justice Torkornoo, which has generated significant national debate.