Ghana’s Supreme Court Affirms Chief Justice Torkornoo’s Suspension in 4-1 Ruling

The Supreme Court of Ghana has dismissed a case filed by the Centre for Citizenship, Constitutional and Electoral Systems (CenCES) challenging the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. In a 4–1 majority decision, the court upheld President John Mahama’s April 22, 2025, suspension of the Chief Justice and allowed the investigative committee’s work to continue.

Majority Decision: The five-member panel, comprising Justices Paul Baffoe-Bonnie (Presiding), Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu, Yonny Kulendi, Henry Anthony Kwofie, and Yaw Asare Darko, ruled 4–1 in favor of dismissing the case. Justice Yaw Asare Darko was the sole dissenter.

CenCES’s Argument: CenCES contended that the President’s suspension of the Chief Justice violated constitutional provisions, particularly Articles 125 and 127, which guarantee judicial independence. They also argued that the formation of the removal committee without a lawfully determined prima facie case infringed on the Chief Justice’s rights under Articles 17 and 19.

Court’s Ruling: The Supreme Court found that the President’s actions were in line with constitutional procedures, allowing the investigative committee to proceed with its work.

This decision underscores the judiciary’s interpretation of constitutional provisions related to the suspension and potential removal of high-ranking judicial officers in Ghana.