Chief Justice's Black Stars visit was private and self-funded, Judicial Service says

The Judicial Service of Ghana has defended Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie following public debate over his visit to the Black Stars camp in Canada during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Judicial Service said the Chief Justice was on official leave and had travelled to Canada in a private capacity and at his own expense.

It said his visit to the national team's camp was motivated by a desire to support Ghana's players as they compete at the World Cup.

The clarification follows the circulation of photographs showing Mr Baffoe-Bonnie as part of a delegation that visited the Black Stars at their hotel in Toronto ahead of Ghana's opening match against Panama.

The delegation included Vice-President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Ghana's High Commissioner to Canada, Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, and Nana Otuo Siriboe II, who represented Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

The Chief Justice's presence prompted mixed reactions on social media. Some commentators questioned whether it was appropriate for the head of Ghana's judiciary to be associated with a high-profile government delegation, while others viewed the visit as a non-political expression of support for the national team.

Responding to the criticism, the Judicial Service said judicial independence did not require judges to isolate themselves from society or refrain from participating in ordinary national activities.

It said judges remained citizens with personal interests and responsibilities outside the courtroom, provided these did not compromise their impartiality or the performance of their constitutional duties.

"The Constitution requires judges to maintain independence of mind, fidelity to the law and impartiality in the discharge of their functions," the statement said.

The Judicial Service maintained that the Chief Justice's visit should be seen solely as a patriotic gesture and not as an official government assignment.