Who Could Succeed Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie? Six Supreme Court Justices in the Succession Discussion
Ghana’s judicial leadership succession has attracted attention as Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie approaches the mandatory retirement age of 70 on December 26, 2026.
With his expected retirement drawing closer, attention has turned to possible candidates from the Supreme Court who could be considered for the country’s top judicial position.
Although several names have featured in public discussions, no official shortlist or presidential nominee has been confirmed. Among the justices mentioned in reports and commentary are Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Avril Lovelace-Johnson, Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi, Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, Senyo Dzamefe and Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei.
Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang joined the Supreme Court in June 2015 after spending approximately 26 years in private legal practice. He has also held important responsibilities within the Judiciary, including chairing the committee that investigated petitions concerning former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
Justice Avril Lovelace-Johnson has served in Ghana’s Judiciary since 1990. Her career has taken her through different levels of the court system before her appointment to the Supreme Court in December 2019. Her experience across the judicial structure has placed her among the names discussed in connection with the succession.
Another justice mentioned is Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi, who joined the Supreme Court in May 2020. Before his appointment, he spent more than 25 years in private legal practice, with experience in areas including commercial litigation and arbitration.
Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu is also part of the wider succession discussion. He joined the Bench in 1996 and served in different judicial positions before becoming a Supreme Court justice in December 2022.
Justice Senyo Dzamefe joined the Supreme Court in July 2025 after decades of judicial service. His career has included judicial leadership responsibilities and other contributions to the administration of justice.
The sixth name is Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei, who was appointed to the Supreme Court in July 2025. He brings experience in judicial training, legal scholarship and participation in international judicial institutions.
The possible succession is governed by Article 144(1) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. The provision states that the Chief Justice is appointed by the President in consultation with the Council of State and with the approval of Parliament.
The constitutional process means that appointment to the position is not determined automatically by seniority or length of service on the Supreme Court. The eventual nominee must go through the required consultation and parliamentary approval procedures.
The Chief Justice heads Ghana’s Judiciary and plays a central role in the administration of the courts, judicial leadership and the protection of the independence of the judicial system.
As the expected retirement date approaches, attention is likely to remain on the experience, professional backgrounds and judicial records of those being discussed as possible successors.
However, the names circulating in public commentary should not be treated as an official shortlist. The President’s eventual choice and the constitutional appointment process will determine who takes over from Baffoe-Bonnie.
Source: Thepressradio.com
