GH: Justice Pwamang Takes Over as Acting Chief Justice

• Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has nominated Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang to serve as acting Chief Justice.
• Justice Baffoe-Bonnie will be absent from duty from November 12 to November 24, 2026, returning on November 25, 2026.
• Justice Pwamang, the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court, will assume administrative responsibilities during this period.
• The appointment follows established judicial practice for temporary leadership transitions.
• A circular dated November 11, 2026, informed various judicial and legal bodies of the change.

The Chief Justice, as the undisputed head of Ghana’s Judiciary, bears the ultimate and overarching responsibility for both the day-to-day administration and the strategic supervision of all courts across the entire nation.

Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has officially designated Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang to assume the role of acting Chief Justice, a critical interim appointment for the nation's judiciary. This temporary leadership change is scheduled to occur during Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie's planned absence from his official duties, a period spanning from November 12 to November 24, 2026. The formal notification of this significant appointment was conveyed through a circular dated November 11, 2026, which was subsequently reviewed and confirmed by 3News. Justice Pwamang's interim tenure will conclude precisely with Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie's anticipated return to office on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, ensuring a clear timeline for the transition.

The circular, personally issued by Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, explicitly informed all members of the Judiciary about his impending departure from the jurisdiction for the specified period. It unequivocally stated that in his absence, Justice Gabriel Pwamang, who holds the distinction of being the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court, would step in to fulfill the comprehensive responsibilities of the Chief Justice. This proactive measure is designed to guarantee a seamless and uninterrupted continuation of judicial administration throughout the Chief Justice's leave of absence.

The selection of Justice Pwamang to serve as the acting Chief Justice is not an arbitrary decision but rather a direct adherence to a long-standing and deeply entrenched judicial practice within the country's legal framework. This established convention dictates that whenever the substantive Chief Justice is unavailable for duty, the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court automatically assumes the acting role. This institutionalized mechanism is fundamental for maintaining both stability and continuity at the highest echelons of judicial leadership, preventing any vacuum in authority.

During his temporary appointment, Justice Pwamang is entrusted with the crucial responsibility of overseeing the comprehensive administration of the Judiciary. His duties will encompass all administrative responsibilities typically associated with the esteemed Office of the Chief Justice. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring the efficient and smooth functioning of all court operations and steadfastly upholding the integrity and independence of the judicial system until Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie resumes his full duties. The Chief Justice, as the undisputed head of Ghana’s Judiciary, bears the ultimate and overarching responsibility for both the day-to-day administration and the strategic supervision of all courts across the entire nation.

The formal notification regarding Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie's impending leave and Justice Pwamang's subsequent assumption of acting duties was meticulously and widely disseminated across the entire judicial hierarchy. Copies of the crucial circular were distributed to an extensive array of legal professionals, ensuring broad awareness. This included all Justices of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, and the High Court, reflecting the importance of informing senior judicial figures.

Furthermore, the communication extended to Circuit Court Judges, Magistrates, various Directors, Heads of Units, and Registrars of Courts, ensuring that operational leadership was fully apprised. Beyond the immediate court personnel, the circular's reach deliberately extended to key oversight and advisory bodies within the broader legal system. Members of the Judicial Council, the General Legal Council, and the Judicial Secretary were also provided with copies. This comprehensive distribution underscores the institutional significance of the temporary transition and ensures that all relevant stakeholders are thoroughly informed about the change in judicial leadership and the critical responsibilities Justice Pwamang takes over as Ag. Chief Justice.

Source: Original reporting via Myjoyonline.com