The Bar Council of England and Wales and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association have issued a joint statement expressing serious concern regarding the suspension of Ghana’s Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude A.E.S. Torkoroo. The Chief Justice, appointed on June 12, 2023, by former President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo, was suspended from office on April 22, 2025. This action has prompted a strong reaction from the international legal community, which views the matter as a potential threat to judicial independence in the West African nation.
The two legal bodies emphasized that an independent and impartial judiciary is a fundamental feature of any country governed by the rule of law. They highlighted Ghana’s long-standing commitment to these principles, particularly through its membership in the Commonwealth. The associations made it clear that any action by the Executive branch that could be perceived as impacting the independence of the judiciary is a matter of profound concern, warranting international attention and scrutiny.
In response to her suspension, Chief Justice Torkoroo has taken legal action. On July 4, 2025, she filed a lawsuit at the ECOWAS Court of Justice, challenging the constitutionality of the move to suspend her. This lawsuit followed earlier domestic challenges in which the Chief Justice had already raised significant concerns regarding procedural fairness, the protection of judicial independence, and compliance with constitutional safeguards in the disciplinary process.
The statement concluded by reinforcing the shared values that underpin the Commonwealth. It cited both the Commonwealth Charter and the Commonwealth (Latimer House) Principles, which explicitly call for an independent, impartial, and fair legal system. These principles state that disciplinary proceedings against a judicial officer must include appropriate safeguards to ensure fairness, such as the right to be fully informed of charges, to be represented, and to be judged by an independent and impartial tribunal. The legal groups regretfully reiterated the serious concerns previously expressed in a joint statement with other associations.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
