Supreme Court sets April 9 for case against Chief Justice’s removal process

The Supreme Court is set to commence hearings on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in a high-profile constitutional case that challenges the ongoing process to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office.

The case, filed by Old Tafo Member of Parliament Vincent Ekow Assafuah, questions the legality of the steps taken by President John Mahama following the submission of three separate petitions calling for the Chief Justice’s removal.

At the center of the dispute is the argument that the Chief Justice was not given an opportunity to respond to the allegations before the President initiated consultations with the Council of State.

Assafuah asserts that this omission constitutes a violation of Article 146(6) of the Constitution, which outlines the procedures for the removal of a Chief Justice.

The MP, represented by former Attorney-General Godfred Dame, argues that bypassing the Chief Justice at the initial stages undermines her right to a fair hearing and threatens the independence of the judiciary.

The outcome of the case is expected to provide clarity on the constitutional process for removing a sitting Chief Justice and could establish an important precedent for similar cases involving high-ranking officials in the future.