All justices stand to benefit from CJ’s removal, not only Baffoe-Bonnie – Ansa-Asare

Kwaku Ansa-Asare, former Director of the Ghana School of Law, defended Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie. He spoke about the ongoing Supreme Court case involving Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

Ansa-Asare stated that all justices could benefit from Torkornoo's removal. This includes not just Acting Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie.

His comments followed an objection from former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame. Dame argued it was improper for an acting Chief Justice to preside over this case.

The Supreme Court dismissed this objection unanimously after a brief recess. The proceedings continued under Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s leadership.

In an interview on Joy FM's Top Story, Ansa-Asare said it is misleading to single out Baffoe-Bonnie. He emphasized that all Supreme Court justices could benefit from the Chief Justice’s removal.

He explained that removing the head of the court is unjustifiable if based solely on potential benefits. Any justice can be considered for the top job once they are appointed.

Ansa-Asare noted that even a High Court judge could become Chief Justice if appointed by the President. However, typically, the most senior justice is chosen for this role.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court ruled 3-2 against an application for an injunction regarding petitions against Torkornoo. Justices Henrietta Mensa Bonsu and Ernest Gaewu dissented in this decision.

The majority held that the petitions should proceed as planned. The full reasoning behind this ruling will be released on May 21.