BY Grace Zigah
Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has acknowledged the controversy generated by some of his recent public comments, saying he has learnt that speaking extemporaneously can sometimes lead to statements that create unintended problems.
The Chief Justice made the remarks while addressing newly qualified lawyers at an event marking the 63rd Call to the Bar, where he reflected on the scrutiny that accompanies public statements by persons holding high constitutional offices.
He said he had come to realise that whenever he spoke without preparing his remarks, some of his comments could be misunderstood or generate controversy well beyond the occasion at which they were made.
“I have come to realise that, anytime I open my mouth to speak extemporaneously, I step on toes and create problems that are sometimes discussed as far as flagship programmes like Talking Point,” he said.
He added that he would therefore be more deliberate in preparing his remarks before speaking publicly.
“So I will not like to speak from my head or stomach. I put something down, so please bear with me,” he told the gathering.
The comments come against the backdrop of criticism the Chief Justice faced following remarks he made during outreach engagements with some state institutions earlier in September.
During visits to institutions including the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) and the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), the Chief Justice who has announced his retirement from the Bench later this year made comments about developments at the institutions and questioned what Ghana had been doing over the previous eight years.
Those remarks subsequently generated a political and public debate over the extent to which the head of the Judiciary should comment on the performance of state institutions and matters with political implications.
Political backlash
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) was among those who criticised the comments, with newly elected National Chairman John Boadu and other party figures accusing the Chief Justice of making statements that appeared partisan.
Some critics went as far as calling for his resignation, arguing that he should leave the judiciary if he intended to openly identify with the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The controversy also attracted the attention of civil society organisations.
The Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) urged the Chief Justice to exercise restraint in his public engagements, stressing the importance of protecting public confidence in the neutrality and credibility of the judiciary.
The legal profession also weighed in, with the President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Efua Ghartey expressing reservations about some of the Chief Justice’s public commentary and reminding judicial officers of the constitutional boundaries surrounding the judiciary.
Judicial Service explanation
In response to the criticism, the Judicial Service issued an explanation indicating that the Chief Justice’s comments were made in good faith and were not intended to undermine the independence of the judiciary.
