The Supreme Court has postponed indefinitely a case challenging three petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
The adjournment on Wednesday, April 9, occurred due to the absence of Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine, who had obtained permission from the Chief Justice to miss the hearing because of an ongoing lawyer training program at the Office of the Attorney General. Dr. Ayine had requested that all cases be adjourned from April 7 to April 10.
Justice Henrietta Mensah Bonsu, who was presiding over the case, decided to delay the hearing with no set resumption date.
Former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame, representing the plaintiff, expressed surprise at the absence of Dr. Ayine and his deputy, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, who were both attending the training for state attorneys.
It is unclear when the hearing will continue, as no new date was announced despite Mr. Dame’s request to postpone it until Monday, April 14.
The case was filed by Old Tafo MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah, challenging the constitutional process initiated by former President John Mahama after receiving three petitions calling for the removal of Chief Justice Torkornoo.
Mr. Assafuah argues that the Chief Justice should be allowed to respond to the allegations before the President consults the Council of State under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution. He contends that failing to notify her in advance violates her right to a fair hearing and undermines judicial independence.
The Supreme Court was expected to rule on whether the President’s actions align with the constitutional provisions governing the removal of a sitting Chief Justice.
In response, the Chief Justice has officially addressed the petitions after President Mahama’s 10-day deadline.
