The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on judges to accept certain limits on personal freedoms when they take up judicial office, following remarks by Chief Justice Paul Baffoe‑Bonnie that judges should not abandon their humanity because of their positions.
Chief Justice Baffoe‑Bonnie noted that his attendance at public events organised to honour close friends and relatives had, on occasion, attracted criticism from those who believed his role required him to remain within the confines of his office.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, NPP Deputy General Secretary Haruna Mohammed said judges may remain human beings, but the responsibilities of judicial office demand restraint in public conduct.
“You don’t lose your humanity if you don’t attend funerals,” Mr Mohammed said. He added that taking up certain positions, including joining the military or the judiciary, comes with responsibilities that may require individuals to put aside some personal rights.
“There are people who have not been able to attend their father’s and their mother’s funerals because of the jobs that they accept,” he said. He stressed that the same principle should apply to judges, particularly to preserve the independence and dignity of the judiciary.
Mr Mohammed clarified that judges are not barred from attending funerals, weddings or other social events, but should recognise that judicial office places additional demands on their discretion and that the code of conduct governing their profession must be considered when deciding what to say or do publicly.
“Nobody is barring him, but the point is that he’s occupying an office that requires him to be careful and be mindful,” Mr Mohammed added.
Observers will watch how the judiciary responds to the party’s stance and whether it influences future conduct guidelines for judges.
