In a split 3-2 decision, the Supreme Court has dismissed an application filed by Old Tafo Member of Parliament, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, seeking to prevent the ongoing process for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo and overturn her suspension from office.
The application was presented to the court by lawyer and former Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame.
The majority ruling to dismiss the injunction request was delivered by Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, along with Justices Yonny Kulendi and Amadu Tanko. Justices Henrietta Mensah Bonsu and Ernest Gaewu dissented from the majority decision.
The Supreme Court has indicated that the detailed reasons underpinning its decision will be formally released on May 21, 2025.
Chief Justice Torkornoo was suspended by President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday, April 22, following the determination of a prima facie case against her. This action was based on petitions submitted by private citizen Daniel Ofori, senior police officer Ayamga Akolgo, and the civic advocacy group, Shining Stars of Ghana.
Subsequently, a five-member committee has been established to conduct an investigation into the allegations brought against the Chief Justice.
Prior to the referral of the petitions to the Council of State, Mr. Assafuah filed an interlocutory injunction at the Supreme Court. This application sought to restrain the President from transmitting the petitions to the Chief Justice, preventing her from responding to the accusations as part of the established constitutional process. The Supreme Court’s dismissal of this application now allows the removal process to continue.
