Kofi Bentil predicts political influence in selection of Chief Justice

Kofi Bentil, the Vice President of IMANI Africa, has stated that political considerations and personal presidential preference will significantly influence the appointment of Ghana’s next Chief Justice. Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Bentil noted that as the current Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, prepares to retire later this year, President John Mahama will likely seek a candidate who inspires public confidence while being someone the executive feels comfortable collaborating with. Although judicial officers are expected to remain politically neutral, Bentil observed that presidents naturally prefer heads of the judiciary with whom they can maintain a smooth working relationship.

Bentil emphasized that while all potential contenders for the position are highly qualified, the selection process involves more than a simple assessment of legal merit. He raised a strategic concern regarding the age of potential appointees, warning that if President Mahama selects candidates nearing their mandatory retirement age, it could grant the executive branch immense power. Such a move would allow the President to appoint multiple Chief Justices within a single term, potentially shaping the leadership of the judiciary for years to come. Bentil noted that while competence is a baseline requirement, loyalty and personal rapport often play decisive roles in these high-level appointments.

The selection of a new head of the judiciary is viewed as a critical moment for restoring public trust in the justice system. According to Bentil, the ideal candidate must be someone widely accepted by judges, lawyers, and the general public alike. He also discussed the possibility of the President looking outside the current Supreme Court bench for a successor. While he acknowledged that an appointment from outside the court would be a significant deviation from tradition and is therefore unlikely, he stressed that the primary goal must be to command broad support across the legal fraternity and the wider population.

As the retirement of Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie approaches, the focus remains on how President Mahama will balance the need for an independent jurist with the practicalities of political alignment. Bentil concluded that while it is difficult to find a candidate who will satisfy every stakeholder, there are several excellent options currently available to the President. The final choice will serve as a significant indicator of the administration's approach to judicial independence and its commitment to strengthening the third branch of government through credible leadership.