A civil society organisation, the Centre for Citizenship, Constitutional and Electoral Systems, has filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court, challenging the legality of the process that led to the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo by President John Dramani Mahama.
Chief Justice Torkonoo was suspended on April 22, 2025, after a prima facie case was established against her following petitions from private citizen Daniel Ofori, senior police officer Ayamga Akolgo, and the advocacy group Shining Stars of Ghana.
In its suit, the Centre is asking the Supreme Court to declare the President’s response to the petitions unconstitutional. The organisation argues that the procedure violated key constitutional provisions, including Articles 17(1)–(3), 23, 296, and 146(1)–(4) and (6), which guarantee fairness, non-discrimination, and proper administrative conduct.
According to the group, the process lacked due process and failed to protect judicial independence, which it says is essential for upholding the rule of law and democratic governance.
The legal challenge adds a new layer of complexity to the ongoing national debate surrounding the Chief Justice’s suspension and raises significant constitutional questions.
Meanwhile, the five-member committee set up by President Mahama to investigate the petitions against Justice Torkonoo begins its hearings today, May 15, 2025. Chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, the committee was formed under Article 146(6) of the Constitution in consultation with the Council of State.
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court, in a narrow 3–2 majority decision, dismissed an application seeking to halt the removal process and lift the suspension. The majority ruling 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 court is expected to publish its full judgment on the matter on May 21, 2025.
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