The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has issued a strong call for the immediate revocation of the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, describing the action as unconstitutional and lacking a legal basis under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
In a statement dated April 26, the GBA contended that the President’s decision to suspend the Chief Justice under Article 146(10) of the Constitution is flawed.
According to the Association, the suspension was carried out without any published Constitutional Instrument, Statutory Instrument, or regulation governing the exercise of that presidential discretion, in violation of Article 296 of the Constitution.
“The Ghana Bar Association calls for the immediate revocation of the suspension of the Chief Justice as it considers the suspension to be unconstitutional,” the statement read.
In addition to the revocation demand, the GBA urged the government to immediately enact clear and comprehensive regulations to guide all processes under Article 146, which governs the impeachment or removal of Superior Court justices.
The absence of such regulatory frameworks, the Association argues, undermines transparency, fairness, and accountability in proceedings involving members of the judiciary.
The GBA also called on the President to release the full decision establishing a prima facie case against Chief Justice Torkornoo, stating that such a move would be in line with established precedent and essential for ensuring procedural fairness and transparency.
Furthermore, the Bar Association condemned what it described as prejudicial and politically motivated commentary surrounding the matter, warning that such statements risk eroding public trust in the judiciary.
“The Association affirms its commitment to safeguarding the sanctity of the judicial process and resolves to take all appropriate legal measures to protect the Judiciary from undue interference or unjustifiable attacks,” the statement added.
The suspension of the Chief Justice has sparked widespread debate across Ghana’s legal and political circles, with many closely watching how the situation unfolds in the coming days.
