All justices stands 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 a case involving the substantive Chief Justice.

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 solely because they might benefit is unjustifiable. All justices are eligible for consideration for the top job if there is a vacancy.

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 considered for this role.

On Tuesday, in a significant ruling, the Supreme Court dismissed an application seeking an injunction against petitions for Torkornoo's removal. The decision was made by a 3–2 majority.

Justices Henrietta Mensa Bonsu and Ernest Gaewu dissented in this ruling. The majority agreed that the petitions should proceed.

The Court will release its full reasoning on May 21, 2023.