“International Community Speaks Out: Concerns Over Ghana’s Chief Justice Suspension”
"International Community Speaks Out: Concerns Over Ghana's Chief Justice Suspension"
“International Community Speaks Out: Concerns Over Ghana’s Chief Justice Suspension”
The Bar Council of England and Wales and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) have expressed serious concerns over the suspension of Ghana’s Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude A.E.S. Torkornoo, on April 22, 2025. The suspension has sparked a heated debate about the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law in Ghana.
The suspension is seen as a breach of Ghana’s constitutional duties and principles that require judges to be suspended or removed only for reasons of incapacity or stated misbehavior.
The investigating committee’s decision to permit petitioners to use witnesses instead of attending themselves to answer questions on their petitions against the Chief Justice raises concerns about fairness and transparency.
The committee’s treatment of the Chief Justice’s legal representative has been deemed unacceptable, contrary to the Latimer House Principles.
The Bar Council and CLA are calling for the immediate reinstatement of the Chief Justice to her office. They demand due and fair process in the investigation and determination of disciplinary matters brought against her. Clear and transparent rules of procedure are needed to guide the disciplinary process.
The Chief Justice was appointed on June 12, 2023, and has since filed a lawsuit at the ECOWAS Court of Justice challenging the constitutionality of her suspension.
The Commonwealth Lawyers Association and the Bar Council of England and Wales have reiterated their commitment to promoting and maintaining the rule of law throughout the Commonwealth.
