President John Dramani Mahama had a humorous moment during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, after noticing the popular phrase "fellow Ghanaians" in his speech.

The ceremony took place at the Jubilee House on Monday, November 17, 2025.

While Mahama was reading his prepared speech to guests, he paused upon coming across the phrase "fellow Ghanaians."

He explained that the famous phrase, fellow Ghanaians" were written in his speech, but he preferred not to use them. Instead, he addressed the citizens as "my fellow countrymen."

"Your Excellency the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, my Lord the newly sworn-in Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana, my Lords the Justices of the Courts, Honourable Ministers of State, Chiefs and Traditional Leaders, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Heads of Security Services, Senior Government Officials, Distinguished Guests, Sorry, this is 'fellow Ghanaians,' I wanted to say something else. My fellow countrymen," Mahama said.

The phrase "fellow Ghanaians" is associated with former President Nana Akufo-Addo, who famously used it in his addresses to the nation, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when updating citizens on measures taken to combat the virus.

The swearing-in ceremony confirmed Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the new Chief Justice of Ghana, following Parliament's approval of his nomination earlier in November.

Paul Baffoe-Bonnie was nominated by President Mahama on September 23, 2025, in recognition of his extensive judicial experience across the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie had been serving as Acting Chief Justice since April 22, 2025, following the suspension and eventual dismissal of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.