In a closely split 3-2 decision, the Supreme Court has dismissed an application aimed at halting the removal process and revoking the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
The application was filed by Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, and argued by former Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame. Assafuah sought an interlocutory injunction to prevent President John Dramani Mahama from proceeding with the petition process against the Chief Justice.
The majority—Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie and Justices Yonny Kulendi and Amadu Tanko—ruled to dismiss the application. In contrast, Justices Henrietta Mensah Bonsu and Ernest Gaewu dissented, expressing opposition to the majority’s decision.
The Court stated that detailed reasons for the ruling will be released on May 21, 2025.
Chief Justice Torkornoo was suspended by President Mahama on April 22, 2025, after a prima facie case was established based on petitions submitted by private citizen Daniel Ofori, senior police officer Ayamga Akolgo, and the civic organization Shining Stars of Ghana.
In response to the petitions, a five-member committee has been set up to investigate the allegations. Assafuah’s legal challenge sought to stop the president from referring the petition to the Chief Justice for a response before it reached the Council of State.
