Chief Justice suspension: We're heading for disaster – Dr Asante

Dr. Kojo Pumpuni Asante is the Director of Programmes and Policy Engagement at CDD-Ghana. He has called for urgent reforms to fix loopholes in governance. These loopholes allow politicians to change heads of institutions arbitrarily.

His comments came after Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo was suspended on April 22. This suspension followed a committee's formation to investigate petitions against her. The allegations include misconduct and incompetence.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State for Government Communications, announced the suspension. He cited constitutional provisions and consultations with the Council of State. The President referenced Article 146(6) of the Constitution regarding this process.

Dr. Asante compared this situation to previous removals, such as Charlotte Osei from the Electoral Commission and Daniel Domelevo as Auditor-General. He advocates for political reforms to prevent bias and “tit-for-tat” behaviors.

He expressed concern about politicians' actions during an interview on April 22. He warned that disaster is looming due to these behaviors. Since 2012, he noted, removing heads of independent institutions has faced attacks.

Dr. Asante stated that many believe triggering this process indicates political bias against individuals. He urged immediate action to create a strong governance system that restores trust in public institutions.

He highlighted challenges within the judiciary's governance system that need addressing. Without reform, questions of bias will continue, complicating future Chief Justices' roles.

After Chief Justice Torkonoo's suspension, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie became acting Chief Justice. A five-member committee is now investigating three petitions against her.

The committee is chaired by Justice Gabriel Pwamang and includes:

- Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu – Supreme Court Justice
- Daniel Yaw Domelevo – Former Auditor-General
- Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo – Ghana Armed Forces
- Professor James Sefah Dzisah – Associate Professor at University of Ghana