AG opposes suspended CJ's bid to halt ongoing removal proceedings

The Office of the Attorney General has opposed Justice Gertrude Torkonoo's application. She seeks to suspend her removal proceedings as Chief Justice.

On May 21, 2025, she filed an injunction application. This followed her petition to the Supreme Court for constitutional interpretation. She argues that she can waive her privacy during these proceedings.

Justice Torkonoo also challenged a determination made against her. She claims it was unconstitutional and lacked a reasoned ruling. Additionally, she wants to prevent committee members from hearing the petitions.

In her application, she stated that the proceedings mock justice. She believes they are a ploy to unjustly remove her from office.

The Attorney General defended the in-camera proceedings. He stated this is a constitutional command protecting both the Chief Justice and judicial integrity.

He argued that confidentiality serves a broader institutional purpose and cannot be waived at will.

The response also addressed concerns about two Supreme Court Justices on the committee. Justices Samuel Adibu Asiedu and Gabriel Scott Pwamang were mentioned by Justice Torkonoo.

She suggested their involvement could create a conflict of interest. However, the Attorney General maintained there is “no basis in law” for this claim.

Regarding Justice Asiedu, it was noted he did not participate in the injunction hearing. Therefore, he cannot be disqualified on those grounds.

As for Justice Pwamang, allegations of bias were rejected by the Attorney General. He stated past cases involving one petitioner do not prove bias without more evidence.

In response to claims about committee members' oaths, the Attorney General refuted them firmly. He confirmed that all committee members have taken their required oaths of office.

He concluded that “a case for injunction has not been made out.” Thus, there is no legal basis to halt or change ongoing proceedings against Justice Torkonoo.