A civil society organization, the Centre for Citizenship, Constitutional and Electoral Systems, has filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court seeking to halt the removal proceedings against suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo.
Chief Justice Torkonoo was suspended by President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, following the establishment of a prima facie case against her. The suspension was prompted by petitions submitted by private citizen Daniel Ofori, senior police officer Ayamga Akolgo, and the civic advocacy group Shining Stars of Ghana.
In its writ, the Centre is asking the Supreme Court to declare the President’s actions in response to the petitions unconstitutional. The organization argues that the suspension and ongoing removal process violate key provisions of the 1992 Constitution — specifically Articles 17(1)–(3), 23, 296, and 146(1)–(4) and (6).
According to the group, the process lacked due process and failed to uphold the principles of fairness, non-discrimination, and lawful administrative conduct. The suit adds a new twist to the controversy surrounding the Chief Justice’s suspension and intensifies national debate over judicial independence and constitutional governance.
Meanwhile, a five-member committee set up by President Mahama to investigate the petitions is scheduled to begin hearings today, Thursday, May 15, 2025. The committee, chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, was constituted under Article 146(6) of the Constitution, following consultations with the Council of State.
Earlier, on May 6, 2025, the Supreme Court, in a 3–2 majority decision, dismissed an application seeking to halt the removal process and revoke the suspension. The majority opinion was delivered by Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, with Justices Yonny Kulendi and Amadu Tanko concurring. Justices Henrietta Mensah Bonsu and Ernest Gaewu dissented.
The full judgment, including the court’s reasoning, is expected to be released on May 21, 2025.
