A legal expert and host of Newsfile on Joy News, Samson Lardy Anyenini, has come out to correct false information being spread by some people, especially certain lawyers, about the appointment of Justice Baffoe Bonnie.
Speaking during the Newsfile program on Saturday, May 10, 2025, Mr. Lardy said that there are some lawyers who have been misleading the public on TV and in interviews. According to him, some of these lawyers have said that President John Mahama appointed Justice Baffoe Bonnie as the acting Chief Justice of Ghana.
Samson Lardy stated clearly that such claims are not true. He explained that Justice Baffoe Bonnie did not need to be appointed by the president because the Constitution already has a rule for such situations. He noted that when the current Chief Justice is suspended, removed, or unable to perform his duties, the next most senior judge automatically takes over the role in an acting capacity.
He said that in this case, Justice Baffoe Bonnie is the most senior judge after the suspended Chief Justice, so he is simply doing the job based on what the Constitution says. He said he was not appointed by President Mahama or anyone else.
He further added that if Justice Baffoe Bonnie goes on leave or becomes unavailable, the next most senior judge in the Supreme Court will step in and continue the work. This system ensures that there is always someone to lead the Judiciary without the need for a fresh appointment from the president each time.
Samson Lardy advised the public to be careful about legal information shared by some people, especially those who should know better. He said spreading false claims can confuse the public and damage trust in the country’s legal system.
Watch the video below (20:00 -26:00)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=SPcl4VByWMw%3Fshowinfo%3D0
