Civil Group Drags Presidency to Supreme Court Over Chief Justice’s Suspension

The Centre for Citizenship, Constitutional and Electoral Systems, a civil society organisation, has filed a suit at the Supreme Court challenging the ongoing removal process of suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo.

The Chief Justice was suspended by President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, after a prima facie case was established from petitions filed by private citizen Daniel Ofori, senior police officer Ayamga Akolgo, and the civic advocacy group, Shining Stars of Ghana.

In its writ, the Centre is asking the Supreme Court to declare that the President’s reaction to the petitions for Justice Torkonoo’s removal was unconstitutional. The group contends that the process violated fundamental provisions of the 1992 Constitution.

According to the group, “the President’s action violated key provisions of the 1992 Constitution, particularly Articles 17(1)–(3), 23, 296, and 146(1)–(4) and (6).” It further argues that the removal procedure lacked due process and failed to uphold principles of fairness, non-discrimination, and lawful administrative conduct.

The legal action adds a new layer to the already contentious saga surrounding the Chief Justice’s suspension, reigniting national debate on judicial independence and constitutional compliance.

Meanwhile, a five-member committee chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang begins its hearings today, Thursday, May 15, 2025. The committee was established by President Mahama in consultation with the Council of State, pursuant to Article 146(6) of the Constitution, to probe the allegations made in the petitions.

This follows an earlier 3–2 majority ruling by the Supreme Court on May 6, 2025, which dismissed an application to halt the removal process. The ruling, delivered by Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie alongside Justices Yonny Kulendi and Amadu Tanko, rejected an injunction request, with Justices Henrietta Mensah Bonsu and Ernest Gaewu dissenting.

The Supreme Court is expected to publish its full judgment and legal reasoning on May 21, 2025.

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