Supreme Court in a 4-1 decision ‘throws out’ another case against CJ suspension

The Centre for Citizenship, Constitutional and Electoral Systems (CenCES) filed a case against President John Mahama. They challenged his suspension of the Chief Justice. The Supreme Court dismissed the case with a majority decision.

The ruling was made by Justices Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu, Yonny Kulendi, Henry Anthony Kwofie, and Yaw Asare Darko. Justice Yaw Asare Darko was the only dissenter in the 4-1 decision.

CenCES argued that Mahama's decision violated constitutional provisions. However, the Supreme Court upheld the President’s action. This allows the committee's work to continue.

On April 22, Mahama suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey 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 her.

Weeks earlier, the Supreme Court dismissed an application to halt Torkornoo's removal process. The court ruled in a narrow 3-2 majority against MP Ekow Assafuah’s request. He was represented by lawyer Godfred Yeboah Dame.

Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie and Justices Yonny Kulendi and Amadu Tanko ruled on this matter. They dismissed Assafuah's injunction request effectively ending his challenge.