The Chief Justice is not a Touring Minister: Baffoe-Bonnie’s SOE visits are unconstitutional officiousness

The Chief Justice's State Owned Enterprises (SOE) visits have been deemed unconstitutional by one reporter. These tours to assess SOE performance are seen as a breach of separation of powers and an act of political interference. The Constitution assigns the Chief Justice only two roles: as the Head of the Judiciary and presiding judge of the Supreme Court.

Visits to SOEs, which are executive-owned entities, are deemed ultra vires, or beyond the Chief Justice's authority. This unconstitutional action destroys the appearance of judicial independence, potentially biasing the judge when presiding over future SOE cases. Furthermore, the Chief Justice's comments on SOE performance are seen as political work that should not be undertaken by the Chief Justice.

Judges are permitted to make general remarks within their judicial function, but leaving the courtroom to comment on economic matters is considered obiter dictum, or outside the court, and thus unconstitutional. The Chief Justice's role should remain focused on upholding the judiciary's independence and not encroach upon the executive arm of government.