Suspension of Ghana's Chief Justice Sparks Outrage and Accusations of Power Abuse

Ghana’s legal landscape faces turmoil as the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo ignites fierce backlash from opposition lawmakers, who brand it a politics-driven maneuver by President Mahama.

Opposition MPs in Ghana are vocally decrying the recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, alleging that President John Mahama is attempting to manipulate the judiciary by introducing justices that favor the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC). This drastic measure, announced on Wednesday, marks a historic precedent, as it is the first time a chief justice has faced suspension in Ghana's history.

The action comes amid three undisclosed petitions levied against Torkornoo, with specifics yet to be publicly revealed. Supporters of Mahama argue the suspension is a necessary action to rejuvenate the judiciary; however, opposition members have labeled it as a blatant judicial coup and a reckless affront to judicial independence.

The presidency's official statement specified that the chief justice is to step aside during the investigation into the allegations. Notably, additional petitions have surfaced since the announcement, fueling further controversy. Former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame, speaking to the BBC, dismissed the suspension as a "complete charade" and perhaps the gravest threat to the judiciary in Ghana's history.

Legal challenges against the president's actions were already underway prior to the suspension, as lawyers disputed the legitimacy of the procedure utilized. Critics emphasize that the law mandates the president to furnish the chief justice with copies of the petitions prior to any suspension—a step that Mahama initially sidestepped but later complied with.

Concerns have been raised by the opposition regarding Mahama's infringement of due process; they assert that his actions preemptively undermined the judicial system before resolutions from the Supreme Court on ongoing lawsuits could be reached. In contrast, some figures support Mahama's decision, arguing it safeguards the judiciary from alleged misconduct.

Commentators have cited concerns over prior rulings made by Torkornoo's Supreme Court, claiming they favored the former administration and diluted political accountability. Torkornoo, who became chief justice in 2023, is only the third woman to hold this esteemed position. She faced an earlier attempt at removal earlier this year, which was deemed lacking by former President Akufo-Addo.

In a fresh development, a five-member committee has been established to conduct a detailed investigation into the ongoing allegations against Ms. Torkornoo, setting the stage for what could be a significant chapter in Ghana's legal history.