A civil society organization, the Centre for Citizenship, Constitutional and Electoral Systems, has filed a suit at the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the removal process involving suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo.
The group argues that President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to suspend the Chief Justice was unconstitutional and violated key provisions of the 1992 Constitution.
According to the group’s writ, the President’s action contravened Articles 17(1)–(3), 23, 296, and 146(1)–(4) and (6) of the Constitution, which guarantee fairness, non-discrimination, and lawful administrative conduct.
The group claims that the procedure lacked due process and failed to uphold these constitutional principles.
The controversy surrounding Chief Justice Torkonoo’s suspension began on April 22, 2025, when President Mahama acted on petitions submitted by private citizen Daniel Ofori, senior police officer Ayamga Akolgo, and the civic advocacy group Shining Stars of Ghana. A prima facie case was established against the Chief Justice, leading to her suspension.
A five-member committee, chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, has been set up to investigate the petitions against Chief Justice Torkonoo.
The committee was constituted under Article 146(6) of the Constitution, following consultations with the Council of State, and is expected to begin its hearings.
In a related development, the Supreme Court previously dismissed an application seeking to halt the removal process and revoke the Chief Justice’s suspension. The court’s 3–2 majority ruling on May 6, 2025, rejected the injunction request.
The majority opinion was delivered by Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, along with Justices Yonny Kulendi and Amadu Tanko, while Justices Henrietta Mensah Bonsu and Ernest Gaewu dissented. The full judgment and reasoning are expected to be released on May 21, 2025.
The outcome of this case will have significant implications for the country’s judiciary and constitutional accountability.