The suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo by President John Mahama, a first in Ghana's history, has stirred significant controversy.
Ghana's Unprecedented Suspension of Chief Justice Sparks Controversy
Ghana's Unprecedented Suspension of Chief Justice Sparks Controversy
Ghana's Supreme Court chief justice is suspended amid investigation and calls for her removal, igniting a debate on judicial independence.
In a historic move, Ghanaian President John Mahama has suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, marking an unprecedented event in the nation’s legal system. This decision follows the launch of an investigation that is triggered by three undisclosed petitions alleging misconduct and requesting her permanent removal from office. Traditionally, chief justices in Ghana hold security of tenure, allowing them to be removed solely under specific circumstances such as incompetence or misbehavior.
The allegations contained within the petitions against Justice Torkornoo have not yet been disclosed, and she has not publicly commented on the matter. However, former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame characterized the suspension as a "complete charade," asserting that it represents a severe assault on the independence of the judiciary in Ghana.
Justice Torkornoo, appointed by former President Nana Akufo-Addo in 2023, is the third female to hold this position in the country. Her role primarily involves overseeing justice administration in Ghana. Earlier this year, attempts to remove her were quashed when President Akufo-Addo indicated that the petition against her had “several deficiencies.”
Initially, the three newly filed petitions were not made accessible to Torkornoo, leading to claims among legal experts that this lack of transparency was a breach of her right to a fair hearing. However, copies of the allegations have since been provided to her, enabling the chief justice to draft a response privately. A five-member committee will soon invite her to address the issues presented in the petitions before a decision regarding her potential removal is reached.
In related news, ongoing stories in Ghana highlight the challenges faced by the nation, including environmental issues tied to gold mining and educational experiences leading to expatriate disillusionment.
For more updates from Ghana and the continent, visit BBC Africa's official platforms on social media.
The allegations contained within the petitions against Justice Torkornoo have not yet been disclosed, and she has not publicly commented on the matter. However, former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame characterized the suspension as a "complete charade," asserting that it represents a severe assault on the independence of the judiciary in Ghana.
Justice Torkornoo, appointed by former President Nana Akufo-Addo in 2023, is the third female to hold this position in the country. Her role primarily involves overseeing justice administration in Ghana. Earlier this year, attempts to remove her were quashed when President Akufo-Addo indicated that the petition against her had “several deficiencies.”
Initially, the three newly filed petitions were not made accessible to Torkornoo, leading to claims among legal experts that this lack of transparency was a breach of her right to a fair hearing. However, copies of the allegations have since been provided to her, enabling the chief justice to draft a response privately. A five-member committee will soon invite her to address the issues presented in the petitions before a decision regarding her potential removal is reached.
In related news, ongoing stories in Ghana highlight the challenges faced by the nation, including environmental issues tied to gold mining and educational experiences leading to expatriate disillusionment.
For more updates from Ghana and the continent, visit BBC Africa's official platforms on social media.
