A former Minister of State in charge of Tertiary Education, Professor Kwesi Yankah, has suggested that President John Dramani Mahama should interpret Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie’s recent controversial comments as an application for early retirement.

In a commentary titled “Cheap Justice?”, Professor Yankah questioned the conduct of the Chief Justice and expressed concern that his recent public remarks could undermine the reputation and independence of the judiciary.

According to Professor Yankah, the Chief Justice overstepped the boundaries of his office when he ventured into discussions concerning state-owned enterprises and made comments comparing the productivity of current government workers with their performance under the previous administration.

He described the incident as unprecedented, arguing that it had generated widespread anger and concern about the neutrality of the judiciary.

Professor Yankah said the comments had also raised questions about whether the Chief Justice retained the moral authority required to lead an independent judiciary.

‘Cheap Justice?’ - Prof Kwesi Yankah raises 4 ‘explosive’ concerns about Baffoe-Bonnie’s conduct

He cited several reactions in the public domain, including claims that the Chief Justice had become involved in government public relations and that judicial independence was under threat.

The former minister also referenced other instances in which Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie had attracted public attention, including his participation in government delegations and public events.

However, Professor Yankah acknowledged that the Chief Justice has only about three months left before his retirement.

Against this backdrop, he urged President Mahama to treat the Chief Justice’s controversial remarks as an “application for early retirement.”

Professor Yankah argued that the office of the Chief Justice carries a significant responsibility and that conduct capable of damaging public confidence in the judiciary could have serious consequences for the institution.

“In the current case though, our CJ has only three months to retire, having gotten his new position close to his sendoff.

“If so, C J’s tongue-slip should be simply interpreted by the President as an APPLICATION FOR EARLY RETIREMENT.

“In truth, CJ’s venerable title as ‘Chief’ has faded too soon, leaving behind an impaired reputation and a tilted scale of justice," he said.



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