President John Mahama's decision to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo places her future in jeopardy following allegations against her.
Ghana's President Mahama Suspects Chief Justice in Historic Suspension
Ghana's President Mahama Suspects Chief Justice in Historic Suspension
Ghana's leader takes unprecedented action against judiciary chief amid controversy.
Ghanaian President John Mahama has recently suspended Gertrude Torkornoo, the Supreme Court's chief justice, in a historic move that has drawn significant attention. Such an action is unprecedented in Ghana’s legal history, stirring discussions about judicial independence and the rule of law.
An investigation has been initiated after three undisclosed petitions surfaced, calling for her dismissal based on claims that remain largely confidential. Traditionally, Ghana's chief justices enjoy security of tenure; they can only be removed under specific circumstances of incompetence or misbehaviour.
Former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame publicly criticized the suspension, labeling it a "complete charade" and describing it as a severe attack on the judiciary’s autonomy under the country's constitutional framework. He emphasized the potential jeopardy this action presents to the independence of the judicial system.
Justice Torkornoo, who made history as Ghana's third female chief justice after her nomination in 2023 by ex-president Nana Akufo-Addo, stands at the center of this controversy. She has previously faced a petition for removal that failed due to alleged deficiencies in the claims.
Initially, the confidential nature of the petitions meant Torkornoo did not have access to the documents filed against her. Legal experts have argued this lack of access infringed upon her rights to a fair hearing. However, the petitions have now been shared, allowing her to formulate a written response to the allegations.
The five-member committee responsible for overseeing the matter will invite Torkornoo to respond once more, leading to a final determination on whether she will remain in her position or be removed from office.
With increasing scrutiny on judicial processes in Ghana, the outcome of this situation could have lasting implications for the nation’s legal framework and its approach to judicial governance.
An investigation has been initiated after three undisclosed petitions surfaced, calling for her dismissal based on claims that remain largely confidential. Traditionally, Ghana's chief justices enjoy security of tenure; they can only be removed under specific circumstances of incompetence or misbehaviour.
Former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame publicly criticized the suspension, labeling it a "complete charade" and describing it as a severe attack on the judiciary’s autonomy under the country's constitutional framework. He emphasized the potential jeopardy this action presents to the independence of the judicial system.
Justice Torkornoo, who made history as Ghana's third female chief justice after her nomination in 2023 by ex-president Nana Akufo-Addo, stands at the center of this controversy. She has previously faced a petition for removal that failed due to alleged deficiencies in the claims.
Initially, the confidential nature of the petitions meant Torkornoo did not have access to the documents filed against her. Legal experts have argued this lack of access infringed upon her rights to a fair hearing. However, the petitions have now been shared, allowing her to formulate a written response to the allegations.
The five-member committee responsible for overseeing the matter will invite Torkornoo to respond once more, leading to a final determination on whether she will remain in her position or be removed from office.
With increasing scrutiny on judicial processes in Ghana, the outcome of this situation could have lasting implications for the nation’s legal framework and its approach to judicial governance.
