Following CJ Torkornoo's suspension, what the lawyers are saying

Following President John Mahama's suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Torkornoo and the subsequent formation of a committee to investigate petitions filed against her, several legal experts and political stakeholders have shared their views on the matter.

Per a statement dated April 22, signed by the president’s spokesperson, the 5-member committee appointed to probe the petitions is drawn from diverse sectors of national life. 

They include:

Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang – Justice of the Supreme Court

Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu – Justice of the Supreme Court

Daniel Yaw Domelevo – Former Auditor-General

Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo – Ghana Armed Forces

Professor James Sefah Dzisah – Associate Professor, University of Ghana

Sam Okudzeto Warns of International Repercussions

Renowned legal luminary and former president of the Ghana Bar Association, Sam Okudzeto, warned that the move could tarnish Ghana’s international image and shake investor confidence.

Appearing on PM Express on Joy News, Mr. Okudzeto conceded that while the action may be constitutional, its broader consequences—especially on perceptions of judicial stability—should not be underestimated.

Frank Davies: A Blow to Judicial Integrity

Lawyer Frank Davies, Director of Legal Affairs for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), also expressed concern, calling the suspension a “blow to the judiciary” that could destabilize Ghana’s democratic foundations.

Speaking on PM Express, Davies criticized the President’s decision to both suspend the Chief Justice and appoint a five-member investigative committee, saying it undermines public confidence in the rule of law.

Prof. Appiagyei-Atua Sees No Constitutional Breach

For Professor Appiagyei-Atua, a law lecturer at the University of Ghana School of Law, there has been no constitutional violation in the procedures undertaken so far.

According to him, the President acted within the bounds of the Constitution and followed the necessary legal steps in response to the petitions.

Martin Kpebu Recommends Voluntary Resignation

Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has suggested that Chief Justice Torkornoo should consider resigning voluntarily in the interest of national stability.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story, Kpebu emphasized that although the Chief Justice may ultimately be exonerated, the damage caused to the judiciary’s reputation and public trust during a protracted inquiry could be lasting and irreversible.