Group files suit at Supreme Court to challenge CJ removal process

The Centre for Citizenship, Constitutional and Electoral Systems, a civil society organisation, has filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court to contest the constitutionality of the removal process of suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

President John Dramani Mahama suspended Chief Justice Torkornoo on April 22, 2025, following a prima facie case established against her based on petitions from private citizen Daniel Ofori, senior police officer Ayamga Akolgo, and civic advocacy group Shining Stars of Ghana.

According to a report by citinewsroom.com, the group is seeking a Supreme Court declaration that the president’s response to the petitions was unconstitutional, violating Articles 17(1)–(3), 23, 296, and 146(1)–(4) and (6) of the 1992 Constitution.

The organisation argues that the process lacked due process and failed to adhere to constitutional principles of fairness, non-discrimination, and lawful administrative conduct.

Meanwhile, a five-member committee, chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, is set to begin hearings today, May 15, 2025, to investigate the petitions against Chief Justice Torkornoo. The committee was formed under Article 146(6) of the Constitution after consultations with the Council of State.

On May 6, 2025, the Supreme Court, in a 3–2 ruling, dismissed an application to injunct the removal process and lift the Chief Justice’s suspension.

Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, along with Justices Yonny Kulendi and Amadu Tanko, delivered the majority decision, while Justices Henrietta Mensah Bonsu and Ernest Gaewu dissented. The court’s full judgment and reasoning are expected on May 21, 2025.

GA/BAI