Suspension Of Justice Torkornoo Is Illegal … President Must Reverse Order Immediately –GBA

The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has joined the growing wave of dissent against the recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo by the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, calling the move unconstitutional and demanding its immediate revocation.

In a strongly worded resolution passed during its 2025 Mid-Year Conference held at the Labadi Beach Hotel on April 26, 2025 the Association stated that the suspension violated key provisions of the 1992 Constitution.

Specifically, the GBA pointed to Article 146(10), under which the President purportedly acted, and Article 296, which requires that discretionary powers be exercised in accordance with clearly defined regulations.

Action unlawful

The GBA contends that no Constitutional Instrument, Statutory Instrument, or other regulations exist to guide such discretion, rendering the President’s action unlawful.

“We consider the suspension to be unconstitutional,” the Association declared in its official communiqué adding that the President, who is neither a judge nor a judicial officer, cannot suspend the Chief Justice without a published legal framework governing such action.”

The Bar Association did not stop at demanding the reversal of the suspension signed by Efua Ghartey, President, and Kweku Gyau Baffour, National Secretary.

It also called for an immediate enactment of comprehensive regulations under Article 146 to ensure transparency and fairness in judicial disciplinary matters and the release of the full decision that allegedly established a prima facie case against the Chief Justice. A firm denunciation of politically motivated commentary aimed at undermining the independence of the judiciary.

Rule of law

The GBA reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and judicial independence, warning against any attempt to erode public trust in the legal system. “We will take all appropriate legal measures to protect the Judiciary from undue interference or unjustifiable attacks,” the resolution stated.

Beyond the suspension of the Chief Justice, the Association’s conference addressed several pressing national issues. These issues include Illegal mining (galamsey), which the GBA condemned and called for urgent and coordinated action to stop its devastating effects on the environment.

Bawku conflict

On the Bawku conflict, it pledged support for traditional mediation efforts and urged all parties to cooperate with peacemaking authorities like the Asantehene.

The unresolved Ablekuma North parliamentary elections was also at the centre of discussion. The GBA urged the Electoral Commission and security services to finalize and announce the long-overdue results to uphold the rights of constituents.

The conference concluded with a renewed call for legal professionals to actively shape national development, emphasizing the role of the GBA as a central force in promoting justice, integrity and democratic governance in Ghana.

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