The Bar Council of England and Wales and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association have jointly called for the immediate reinstatement of Ghana’s suspended Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, warning that the country’s tradition of upholding the rule of law is at stake.
In a statement issued on August 14, the two legal bodies urged President John Dramani Mahama and the Executive to reverse the April 22, 2025 suspension and ensure the Chief Justice receives due and fair process in disciplinary proceedings. They pressed for clear procedural rules, transparent hearings, and a fixed timeframe for the inquiry.
“Immediately and without delay, reinstate the Chief Justice of Ghana… and afford her full and transparent access to the process through her legal representatives,” the groups demanded.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Attorney-General is seeking to strike out a second judicial review application filed by Justice Torkornoo. The review, lodged on June 23, 2025, seeks to dismiss one of three petitions for her removal—filed by a group called Shining Stars of Ghana—on grounds that the group is unregistered and its members unidentified.
Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai argues the claims are unfounded and should not halt the Article 146 committee’s work.
Background
Justice Torkornoo was suspended by President Mahama after a prima facie case was established from three undisclosed petitions alleging misconduct and incompetence. A five-member committee chaired by Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang was appointed to investigate, with Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie serving as Acting Chief Justice.
The suspension has triggered sharp criticism. The Ghana Bar Association says the move violates Article 296, as no constitutional instrument was published to justify the discretionary power. The Centre for Democratic Movement has also accused the inquiry of political bias and lacking transparency.
Justice Torkornoo has rejected calls to resign, describing the process as “arbitrary” and “cruel,” and insisting she will defend her position. The opposition New Patriotic Party has warned the action threatens Ghana’s democratic system.
