Supreme Court dismisses injunction against Chief Justice removal petition

The Supreme Court has dismissed an injunction application from Old Tafo MP Vincent Assafuah. He sought to stop the petition to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo.

Assafuah's lawyer, Godfred Dame, filed the motion. It aimed to prevent the President from sending the petition to the Council of State. However, this motion was withdrawn before it could be formally considered.

This decision follows a previous ruling by the Supreme Court. The court rejected Dame's objection against Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie presiding over the case.

Dame argued that Baffoe-Bonnie might be personally affected by the outcome. He noted that Baffoe-Bonnie could be considered for Chief Justice if Torkornoo was removed.

The court dismissed this argument, stating that Baffoe-Bonnie could fairly preside over the case. They affirmed that due judicial process would be followed.

On May 6, 2025, Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem Sai heard and rejected Dame’s objection. Dame claimed Baffoe-Bonnie’s involvement created a conflict of interest. The court maintained that personal interests would not undermine the process.

The case had been adjourned earlier due to a panel member's absence. Panel chair Justice Osei Bonsu noted this was due to “unavoidable reasons.”

The petition for removing Chief Justice Torkornoo was submitted to the President by various individuals. It has now been referred to the Council of State for consultation as required by law.

Former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame raised objections about continuing proceedings with an injunction in place. However, Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine argued no law prevents the President from fulfilling his constitutional duty.

Dr. Ayine clarified that submitting the petition to the Council of State is part of this duty.