Ghana’s Acting Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has shared a deeply personal and striking revelation during his vetting process before Parliament, recounting a moment in his judicial career that highlights both the weight and emotional strain of delivering justice.
Appearing before the Appointments Committee of Parliament, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie was questioned about judicial discretion, fairness, and how personal emotions influence sentencing decisions. In his candid response, he admitted that in one particular case involving a dangerous criminal named Atayi, fear for his personal and family’s safety influenced his decision to issue a much heavier sentence than he initially intended.
> “I gave Atayi 70 years imprisonment,” he said firmly. “I was afraid to give him 30 years or less, fearing he might come back one day and attack my family when he’s released. But with this 70-year sentence, I will be dead and gone when he comes out.”
The remark sparked laughter among some lawmakers, but also a moment of reflection on the human side of the judiciary—that judges, despite their robes and authority, are not immune to fear, pressure, or moral conflict.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie explained that Atayi was one of the most violent criminals he had ever encountered in court. The convict, according to records, was involved in a series of armed robberies and violent crimes that terrorized communities for years before he was finally arrested and prosecuted.
During the trial, the judge recalled, Atayi showed no remorse and even made threatening remarks suggesting that he would seek revenge upon release. That, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie said, was a major factor in his ultimate decision to deliver a 70-year custodial sentence, ensuring public safety and personal peace of mind.
The Acting Chief Justice noted that while such decisions are guided by law, they also test the emotional resilience and moral courage of judges. He emphasized the importance of protecting judges and their families, saying that many members of the bench often live under silent fear due to threats from dangerous individuals and criminal networks.
> “Judges are human too. We feel fear, we feel pressure, and sometimes we face threats. But the law must still be upheld,” he stated solemnly.
His honest admission has since generated national discussion, with many Ghanaians commending his candor and courage. Others, however, have raised concerns about whether personal fear should influence sentencing, arguing that justice must always remain objective and rooted in law rather than emotion.
Political analysts and legal experts have described his remarks as a powerful reminder of the psychological burden borne by members of the judiciary. Many have also called for stronger security measures to protect judges from potential retaliation by convicts or criminal groups.
Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie’s vetting has been widely viewed as one of the most open and emotionally charged sessions in recent times, revealing not just his legal intellect but also his humanity.
If approved, he is expected to succeed outgoing Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, marking another chapter in Ghana’s evolving judicial leadership.
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