Supreme Court Rulings Impact Torkornoo’s Case
The Supreme Court unanimously dismissed an injunction application by suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, who sought to halt her suspension and the ongoing impeachment proceedings against her. The five-member panel, led by Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, ruled that the application lacked merit. The full judgment is expected to be released by June 12, 2025. Torkornoo’s legal challenge aimed to stop a committee, established by President John Dramani Mahama, from investigating three petitions seeking her removal from office.
The Supreme Court also struck out Torkornoo’s supplementary affidavit, filed on May 26, 2025, which alleged inhumane treatment and violations of her constitutional rights during the inquiry process. The court found that the affidavit disclosed confidential details of the in-camera proceedings, breaching Article 146(8) of the 1992 Constitution. The panel upheld an objection by Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, ruling that the affidavit’s content could not be part of the court’s evidence.
In a separate ruling, the Supreme Court dismissed an objection by the Attorney-General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, who sought to remove the names of the committee members—Justices Gabriel Pwamang and Samuel Adibu-Asiedu, former Auditor-General Daniel Yao Domelevo, Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, and Professor James Sefah Dzisah—from Torkornoo’s injunction application. The court held that Torkornoo’s indication that the committee members would not be affected by her writ was not fatal to her case, allowing them to remain as respondents.
Torkornoo’s legal efforts stem from her suspension on April 22, 2025, following a prima facie determination on three petitions alleging misconduct. The committee, chaired by Justice Pwamang, continues its inquiry into these petitions. Torkornoo has argued that the process undermines judicial independence and her right to a fair trial, citing issues such as the inquiry’s venue at the high-security Castle in Osu and procedural irregularities.
The rulings mark significant setbacks for Torkornoo, as the Supreme Court’s decisions allow the impeachment inquiry to proceed. The case continues to draw attention due to its implications for the country’s judicial system, with further developments expected as the committee’s investigation unfolds.