President John Dramani Mahama delivered an amusing moment at the Jubilee House on November 17, 2025, during the swearing-in of Ghana’s new Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie. While going through his prepared remarks, he suddenly paused after spotting the phrase “fellow Ghanaians,” a line closely tied to former President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Rather than using the phrase as written, Mahama opted for a different form of address, briefly joking about the wording in front of the invited dignitaries. The lighthearted switch drew warm reactions from those present, adding an unexpected comedic touch to the otherwise formal ceremony.
The expression “fellow Ghanaians” became widely associated with Akufo-Addo, who frequently used it during national broadcasts, especially throughout the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event marked the formal confirmation of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice after Parliament approved his nomination earlier in the month. President Mahama nominated him on September 23, 2025, recognising his long service across the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court. Before his confirmation, he had been leading the judiciary in an acting capacity since April 22, 2025, following the suspension and later dismissal of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
Mahama’s brief comedic moment became one of the standout highlights of an otherwise solemn state occasion.
Watch the video below:
@..balance_ #ghanatiktok🇬🇭 #fyp #cj #newsupdate ♬ original sound – balance
