Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has stressed that holding judicial office should not require judges to abandon their humanity or personal relationships.
The Chief Justice made the comments at the opening of the 45th Annual Conference of the Judges and Magistrates Association of Ghana, amid controversy over remarks he recently made about the performance of some state-owned enterprises (SOEs).
His earlier comments attracted criticism, with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) calling on him to retract what it described as partisan political remarks or resign from office.
Addressing the issue, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie acknowledged that some of his public engagements had generated criticism.
He said there had been occasions when he attended events to honour friends and relatives, as well as official engagements in his capacity as Chair of the Council for Legal Education and Training.
According to him, such experiences have reminded him that judges must maintain professional restraint while still recognising their human responsibilities and relationships.
He said, “We must never abandon our humanity simply because we have assumed judicial office.”
The Chief Justice had earlier maintained that his observations about state institutions were made in good faith and were not intended to undermine judicial independence.
The controversy has nevertheless renewed public discussion about judicial independence, professional restraint and the extent to which judicial officers should engage in public activities.
