The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has rejected claims that the government is trying to remove suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. He asserted that the executive branch has taken no action to oust her and is instead focused on upholding its constitutional duties.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s “Face to Face” on Tuesday, August 26, Nketiah stated, “The executive has done nothing about the removal of the Chief Justice.” He added that any actions taken are part of a broader effort to reform state institutions and not an attack on the judiciary. Nketiah’s comments come amid public debate and criticism from groups like the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) and the Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM), who have condemned the suspension as unconstitutional and a threat to judicial independence.
Chief Justice Torkornoo was suspended on April 22, 2025, by President John Dramani Mahama following a prima facie case established from three petitions alleging misconduct. A five-member inquiry panel, chaired by Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, was formed to investigate the claims. Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie was appointed acting Chief Justice. The Chief Justice has publicly defended herself, labeling the proceedings as unconstitutional and arbitrary. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has also condemned the suspension, warning that it jeopardizes Ghana’s democratic integrity.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
