Opposition lawmakers in Ghana have launched a fierce rebuke of President John Mahama’s decision to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, calling it an unprecedented abuse of executive power aimed at stacking the courts with pro-government judges.
The move marks the first time in Ghana’s history that a chief justice has been forcibly removed from office, igniting a firestorm over judicial independence and due process.
Why Was Ghana’s Chief Justice Suspended?
Torkornoo’s suspension followed three petitions alleging misconduct—though their contents remain undisclosed to the public. The presidency claims the step was necessary to investigate the claims, but critics argue due process was violated. Notably, Mahama initially failed to provide Torkornoo copies of the petitions, a legal requirement, before reversing course under pressure.
The Legal and Political Fallout
The opposition NPP party has labeled the suspension a “judicial coup,” citing pending Supreme Court lawsuits challenging the suspension’s legality. Former Attorney General Godfred Dame condemned the act as “the biggest assault on Ghana’s judiciary,” while Mahama’s supporters, like ex-envoy Dr. Tony Aidoo, defended it as a cleanup effort.
Appointed by former President Nana Akufo-Addo in 2023, Torkornoo is Ghana’s third female chief justice. Her tenure faced scrutiny after the Supreme Court, under her leadership, ruled against the government in high-profile cases—including a 2023 decision overturning the Speaker’s move to vacate opposition MPs’ seats.
What Happens Now?
A five-member committee will now investigate the allegations against Torkornoo. Legal experts warn the saga risks eroding trust in Ghana’s courts, historically seen as a regional bastion of democracy. With no chief justice ever suspended before, the precedent threatens to deepen political divisions ahead of the 2024 elections.
