Former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu, has raised concerns over comments made by Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie on the 70-year jail term handed notorious robber Ayi Ayeetey, popularly known as Ataa Ayi.
Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Boadu questioned why a Chief Justice would make such statements, suggesting that they raise doubts about the safety and fairness of the judicial system.
“Are we safe in this country if a Chief Justice claims that after confirmation, his decisions might be influenced by fear or personal interest?” he asked. “If someone is not committed to applying the laws impartially, it is worrying. How many cases will come before him and other judges who might base their sentences on fear of relatives or personal gain instead of the law?” he questioned.
During his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, November 10, 2025, Baffoe-Bonnie described the decision on the high-profile case from his early years on the bench as guided both by the law and the need to protect the public.
“The judges and magistrates are trained and follow sentencing guidelines, but sometimes they have to go beyond them. In my youthful days, I gave somebody 70 years — Atta Ayi,” he said.
He further explained that while sentencing guidelines provide a general framework, judges occasionally need to exercise discretion based on the circumstances of a case.
“I gave him 70 years. And what I told myself was that if Atta Ayi was given 30 years and he comes back, my family will be the first he will attack. So by the time he comes back after 70 years, I will be dead and gone,” he said with a chuckle, drawing laughter from the audience.
However, Mr. Boadu acknowledged the role of prison in rehabilitation, stating, “Prison is for reform. I know people who come out of prison reformed becoming accountants, lawyers, and productive members of society and they do not return to their previous lives.”
He added that in countries with strong democratic systems, a nominee making such statements might face significant challenges in gaining approval.
“If this was another country, and the vetting process was not a rubber stamp, there is no way a Chief Justice would be approved after making such remarks,” he said.
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