Arthur Kennedy Slams Chief Justice Over State of the Nation Remarks
Former presidential aspirant says Ghana’s judiciary must remain politically neutral, arguing that comments on the State of the Nation made the Chief Justice sound like an NDC government official
Date: September 4, 2026
By: Ebenezer Adugyamfi/ Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada
Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirant Dr. Arthur Kobina Kennedy has criticised Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, accusing him of compromising the perceived neutrality of the judiciary through comments he made during a recent public address on the State of the Nation (SON).
Dr. Kennedy argued that while judges are entitled to express views on matters affecting the administration of justice, the Chief Justice must exercise exceptional restraint because of the constitutional position he occupies as head of Ghana’s judiciary.
According to him, portions of the Chief Justice’s remarks appeared more consistent with the messaging of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) than that of an independent judicial officer.
“You sounded like an NDC official”
Reacting to the address, Dr. Kennedy said the judiciary derives its authority not only from the Constitution but also from the confidence and trust of the Ghanaian public.
He maintained that any statement capable of creating the impression of political alignment could weaken public confidence in the courts, particularly at a time when several politically sensitive cases are before the judiciary.
His criticism centred on the Chief Justice’s observations regarding the country’s governance and national development, which he believes should have been left to elected political leaders rather than the head of the judicial branch.
The importance of judicial independence
Dr. Kennedy stressed that Ghana’s constitutional democracy is built on the separation of powers, with the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary expected to operate independently while serving as checks on one another.
He warned that judges—especially the Chief Justice—must avoid statements that could expose the courts to accusations of partisanship or political bias.
According to him, preserving the image of impartiality is just as important as delivering impartial justice.
A debate over constitutional roles
The remarks have sparked wider discussion within legal and political circles over the appropriate boundaries of public commentary by senior judicial officers.
Supporters of the Chief Justice argue that leaders of the judiciary have a responsibility to speak on national issues affecting justice, governance and institutional development.
Critics, however, contend that such interventions should be carefully framed to avoid perceptions of political endorsement.
The latest exchange adds to the growing national conversation about judicial independence, public accountability and the role of constitutional office holders in Ghana’s democratic system.
