Court Upholds Acting Chief Justice’s Role in Torkornoo Case
The Supreme Court unanimously rejected an objection by former Attorney-General Godfred Dame to remove Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie from presiding over a case challenging Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo’s removal process. Dame argued that Baffoe-Bonnie had a conflict of interest, as the outcome could directly affect him. The ruling, delivered after a brief deliberation, allows the case to move forward without further delays.
Dame’s objection stemmed from concerns that Baffoe-Bonnie, who became Acting Chief Justice following Torkornoo’s suspension on April 23, 2025, might benefit if Torkornoo’s removal is upheld. However, Deputy Attorney-General Srem-Sai countered that this claim was baseless, emphasizing Baffoe-Bonnie’s impartiality. The Court agreed, paving the way for the substantive injunction application to proceed.
The controversy surrounding Torkornoo’s removal has sparked broader debates about judicial independence in Ghana. Former SIGA Director-General John Boadu accused President John Dramani Mahama of orchestrating the petitions against Torkornoo, calling it an attack on democracy. Protests and statements from the Ghana Bar Association have also criticized the suspension as unconstitutional, fueling public unrest.
Under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, Article 146 outlines the removal process for a Chief Justice, requiring a petition to the President, a review by the Council of State, and an investigation if a prima facie case is found. With the Supreme Court’s decision, the focus now shifts to whether Torkornoo’s suspension followed due process, a question that could shape Ghana’s judicial landscape.