Private citizen goes to Supreme Court, challenges Chief Justice removal procedure

A new legal challenge has been filed by a private citizen, Ebenezer Osei-Owusu, contesting the method being used in the ongoing efforts to remove the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkonoo.

In the suit, the plaintiff argues that the current procedure violates the Chief Justice’s right to a fair and impartial hearing. He claims that the approach being taken by the authorities lacks adherence to due process, which could compromise the independence of the judiciary.

A key point raised in the suit is that the President, in consultation with the Council of State, cannot establish a prima facie case for the Chief Justice’s removal without first providing her with the relevant petitions and an opportunity to respond.

This new case adds to a previous lawsuit filed by former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame, representing Vincent Ekow Assafuah, the Member of Parliament for Old Tafo. That suit also contests the legality of the removal process, suggesting that it is politically influenced and intended to undermine the judiciary's independence.

Mr. Osei-Owusu is asking the court to nullify any petitions sent by the President to the Council of State concerning the Chief Justice’s removal. He also seeks further directives from the court to ensure the enforcement of any declarations made.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear an injunction application on April 2, 2025. This application was filed by MP Vincent Assafuah to stop the President from proceeding with the current process based on three petitions received.

This development follows a letter from Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo to the President, in which she formally requested copies of the petitions filed against her—an action that came soon after the MP’s legal challenge was submitted to the Supreme Court.