The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has launched a fierce pushback against the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, calling the move unconstitutional and urging the President to reverse the decision immediately.
In a strongly worded statement dated April 26, the GBA challenged the legality of the suspension, arguing that it lacks a constitutional foundation under Article 146(10) of the 1992 Constitution. The Association contended that the action was taken in the absence of any guiding Constitutional Instrument or regulation, thereby violating Article 296, which requires fairness and clarity in the discretionary powers of public officials.
“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.
The GBA further called on the government to urgently enact a clear regulatory framework to govern all procedures under Article 146, which addresses the removal or impeachment of Superior Court judges. Without such regulations, the Association warned, the process remains opaque and open to abuse.
Additionally, the GBA demanded that the President release the full findings of the committee that purportedly established a prima facie case against the Chief Justice — a step the Association believes is crucial for upholding transparency and procedural fairness.
The legal body also expressed deep concern about politically charged commentary surrounding the suspension, warning that such narratives could severely damage public confidence in the judiciary.
Reaffirming its role as a watchdog of judicial integrity, the Association concluded, “The GBA is committed to taking all appropriate legal measures to defend the independence of the judiciary and resist any form of undue political interference.”
The suspension of Justice Torkornoo has sparked intense national debate, as stakeholders await further action from the Presidency amid growing legal and public scrutiny.
