Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has become the centre of discussions online after explaining the reason behind his decision to sentence notorious Ghanaian armed robber, Ataa Ayi, to 70 years in prison.
During his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on November 10, 2025, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie revealed that his decision to hand the notorious robber a 70-year jail term was influenced by his desire to protect potential victims, including his own family.
He explained that the case occurred during his “youthful days” as a judge, and he feared that if he had sentenced Ataa Ayi to 30 years, the convict might target him after his release.
Paul Baffoe-Bonnie speaks on why he sentenced Atta Ayi to 70 years in prison
“I gave him 70 years. And what I told myself was that if Ataa Ayi was given 30 years and he comes back, my family would be the first he would attack. By the time he comes back after 70 years, I will be dead and gone,” he said.
Following Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s statement, netizens have taken to social media to express diverse opinions, with Ataa Ayi also trending on X.
In a series of posts shared online, some users have described the Chief Justice nominee’s comment as " selfish and unnecessary", while others defended his reasoning.
According to some critics, the judge placed his personal safety above constitutional fairness, whereas others argued that his justification was valid given the level of threat Ataa Ayi posed at the time.
Read the reactions below:
Why are they laughing though ?
— Nkay LM 👨💻 (@nkay_LM) November 10, 2025
So you are saying you exaggerated his sentencing knowing fully well that he doesn't deserve it ?
Isn't that injustice ?
He’s thinking is kind of selfish to me tbh. So you die and exit this world. How about his immediate family? His wife and kids. He can trace them and attack them if he wants to. This is not true justice but personal vendetta
— Kelvin Ashong (@Mawunya_) November 10, 2025
So he dies and leaves no one behind? He can trace his family and harm them when he’s out. This way of thinking is very selfish. Also, I’m not saying the criminal doesn’t deserve a 70yt. Even if he does deserve more terms, his final judgement must be very objective….this is very…
— Kelvin Ashong (@Mawunya_) November 10, 2025
Hrr these Gen Zs don't like research at all
— Powell (@Powelldeafrique) November 10, 2025
The people trying to attack the CJ, do you know atta ayi?
Moreover every crime has its minimum and maximum sentence
It's the sole discretion of the judge to pronounce sentence within the bounce of the law considering the momentum
This is not justice, let’s put partisanship aside. You’re jailing people just because you’re afraid of them hurting your family? Seriously???
— Omo Ghana✨🦉 (@GentlemanBright) November 10, 2025
Wei....this is enough to warrant a rejection of his nomination. Ah !
— Eugene Kwapong-Nyark (@NanaNsuroNyarko) November 10, 2025
Clearly, some of our judges do no dispense justice grounded in law but of personal vendetta. Here is a self confessed one. But because it's Ata Ayi so it's ok.
Some of u never knew how dangerous Ataa Ayi was so u will be here and typing wat u like .. If e reach your turn aaa give notorious armed robber 1 yr .
— CB (@MajidCarlos) November 10, 2025
Wei....this is enough to warrant a rejection of his nomination. Ah !
— Eugene Kwapong-Nyark (@NanaNsuroNyarko) November 10, 2025
Clearly, some of our judges do no dispense justice grounded in law but of personal vendetta. Here is a self confessed one. But because it's Ata Ayi so it's ok.
JHM/SSM
Meanwhile, watch as Mahama Ayariga crashes with Afenyo-Markin during CJ vetting
