The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) is demanding the immediate revocation of the suspension of the Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
The GBA described the suspension as “unconstitutional,” arguing that the President acted without the legal framework required under Article 296 of the 1992 Constitution.
The call was contained in a Resolution the Association issued at its 2025 Mid-Year Conference on Saturday, April 26.
“The President, who is not a judge or judicial officer, exercised discretion under Article 146(10) without a published Constitutional Instrument, Statutory Instrument or Regulation,” the Resolution stated.
It affirmed its dedication to the rule of law, constitutionalism, and national development.
The Bar Association called on President John Dramani Mahama to immediately release the full decision establishing a prima facie case against the Chief Justice, consistent with established precedent.
It said this disclosure is necessary to ensure that the process is conducted in accordance with the principles of transparency and fairness.
The Association also urged the government to enact regulations governing the disciplinary processes of superior court justices.
“We denounce any attempt to undermine the judiciary and we remain committed to protecting the sanctity of the judicial process,” the Resolution said.
The GBA also passed a series of strong resolutions addressing other national issues, including illegal mining, the Bawku conflict, and unresolved parliamentary elections.
The GBA issued a passionate condemnation of illegal mining activities (galamsey), which continue to devastate water bodies and farmlands across Ghana.
It called for immediate, decisive, and sustained action to eradicate galamsey and urged the Judiciary to ‘expedite the hearing of all galamsey-related cases.
The Bar also featured the conflict in Bawku prominently in the Resolution.
Commending ongoing mediation efforts, the GBA threw its full support behind Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and other traditional rulers engaged in the peace process.
“Traditional leaders possess the neutrality and wisdom required to resolve this protracted conflict,” the Association emphasized.
The Bar also expressed deep concern over the failure to declare results for the Ablekuma North parliamentary elections held on December 7, 2024.
The GBA called on the Electoral Commission and relevant authorities to “immediately complete the collation process and declare the results.”
The democratic rights of the people of Ablekuma North, the Association stressed, must not be sacrificed to procedural inertia.
The GBA expressed its determination to uphold the rule of law, defend judicial independence, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
It stressed the legal community’s determination to position itself as a fulcrum of democracy and justice, stressing accountability and transparency in public discourse and policy action in the months ahead.