Mahama wrote CJ’s petition himself, he simply wants the CJ out – MP claims

Gloria Owusu, the MP for Trobu, has made a bold claim. She alleges that President John Dramani Mahama wrote the petition against Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo himself.

Owusu states she has credible evidence to support her claims. She was quoted by Oyerapa TV saying, “I have credible evidence that John Mahama wrote the petition himself. He simply wants the CJ out.”

On April 22, President Mahama suspended Chief Justice Torkornoo. This followed a prima facie case determined by the Council of State. The president then formed a five-member committee to investigate petitions against Torkornoo.

These petitions were filed by Daniel Ofori, Ayamga Akolgo, and Shining Stars of Ghana. On May 6, 2025, the Supreme Court dismissed an application to halt Torkornoo's removal process.

The court ruled in a narrow 3-2 decision against MP Ekow Assafuah’s request to stop the proceedings initiated by President Mahama. Assafuah was represented by lawyer Godfred Yeboah Dame.

Dame objected to changes in the original panel of justices overseeing the case. He also called for acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to recuse himself due to potential bias.

The Supreme Court unanimously rejected Dame's objection regarding Justice Baffoe-Bonnie's participation. The justices stated that his concerns did not disqualify him from presiding over the case.

They affirmed that due judicial process would be maintained throughout this matter. Acting Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie and Justices Kulendi and Tanko dismissed the injunction request.

Justices Mensa-Bonsu and Gaewu dissented from this majority decision. The Supreme Court will release its full reasoning on May 21, 2025.