The Judicial Service of Ghana has hit back at critics who argue that members of the bench must completely isolate themselves from the public, clarifying that judicial independence does not require judges to withdraw from society or standard social activities.
In a press release issued on June 19, 2026, the Judicial Service clarified the circumstances surrounding the recent visit by Ghana’s Chief Justice (CJ), Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, following public commentary sparked by photographs from his visit to the camp of Ghana’s senior national football team, the Black Stars, in Canada.
According to the service, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s visit to the camp of Ghana’s senior national football team, the Black Stars, in Canada, was undertaken in his private capacity and at his own expense.
The release explained that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie took the opportunity to visit the Black Stars camp as a patriotic Ghanaian and sports enthusiast to offer words of encouragement and support to the team as they participate in the ongoing FIFA World Cup.
The Judicial Service countered that the CJ, like any judge, is a social being who lives within communities, and isolating them entirely from a healthy social fabric is neither practical nor legally required
The clarification follows discussions on social media and in sections of the media after photographs of the Chief Justice at the team’s camp began circulating online, prompting speculation about the nature of the visit.
Addressing the concerns, the Judicial Service stressed that judicial independence does not require judges to completely withdraw from society or refrain from participating in ordinary aspects of national life.
It noted that judges remain citizens of Ghana and members of the communities they serve, adding that what the Constitution demands is independence of mind, fidelity to the law, and impartiality in the discharge of judicial duties.
“The mere fact of such encounters cannot, without more, reasonably be construed as evidence of partisanship, bias, or political affiliation,” the statement said.
The Judicial Service further explained that interactions between holders of different constitutional offices are inevitable in both official and unofficial settings and should not automatically be viewed as compromising judicial neutrality.
It reaffirmed the Chief Justice’s commitment to upholding the Constitution, preserving the independence of the Judiciary, and ensuring the fair and impartial administration of justice to all persons regardless of political affiliation, social status, or personal background.
The statement also described the Black Stars as a unifying national symbol that represents the hopes and aspirations of all Ghanaians, arguing that support for the national team should not be misconstrued as undermining the impartiality of any constitutional office holder.
It further noted that while the Judicial Code of Conduct strictly forbids judges from engaging in extra-judicial activities that compromise their neutrality or conflict with their roles as impartial adjudicators, it actively permits healthy vocational and community engagements.
The release emphasized that the true pillars of judicial independence, integrity, competence, and fairness are maintained through rigorous legal principles and ethical self-restraint, rather than forced social alienation.
The Service reassured the general public that existing internal quality mechanisms and strict disciplinary structures remain fully active to ensure that no social interaction ever sways a judge’s decision-making process.
The Judicial Service urged the public to consider the matter in its proper context and disregard what it described as unfounded attempts to attribute ulterior motives to what was simply a patriotic gesture of support for Ghana’s national team.
It reiterated its commitment to maintaining public confidence in the Judiciary through the continued discharge of its constitutional mandate with independence, integrity, impartiality, and fidelity to the rule of law.
PRESS RELEASE – JUDICIAL SERVICE CLARIFIES CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING CHIEF JUSTI
