Chief Justice’s visit to Black Stars camp was self-funded – Judicial Service clarifies

The Judicial Service has clarified circumstances surrounding Chief Justice Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie’s recent visit to the Black Stars camp in Canada, following public discussions triggered by photographs from the visit.

In a statement issued on June 19, 2026, the Service explained that the Chief Justice is currently on official vacation and travelled to Canada in his private capacity and at his own expense.

According to the statement, the visit to the Black Stars camp was motivated solely by a desire to support and encourage Ghana’s senior national football team as they participate in the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

“The visit was motivated solely by a desire to support the national team and should be viewed in that light,” the statement noted.

The Judicial Service acknowledged the public interest generated by the images but stressed that some of the commentary and speculation do not accurately reflect the circumstances under which they were taken.

It further emphasised that judicial independence does not require judges to withdraw from society entirely, noting that judges remain citizens who take part in ordinary aspects of national life while still upholding their constitutional duties.

The statement added that interactions between holders of different constitutional offices, whether in official or private settings, should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of partisanship, bias, or political affiliation.

Reaffirming the Chief Justice’s commitment to the Constitution, the Service stated that he remains dedicated to the independence of the Judiciary and the fair and impartial administration of justice to all persons, regardless of political or social background.

The Service also urged the public to view the matter in its proper context and disregard what it described as unfounded attempts to assign political meaning to what it termed a patriotic gesture of support for the national team.

It concluded that the Judiciary remains committed to maintaining public confidence through the continued discharge of its constitutional mandate with independence, integrity, impartiality, and fidelity to the rule of law.