Tafo MP Wants CJ’s Removal Process Halted

Justice Gertrude Torkornoo

A legal battle is unfolding at the Supreme Court. Vincent Ekow Assafuah, the MP for Old Tafo, has filed a new suit. He aims to stop the removal process of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

The suit is numbered J1/18/2025 and dated April 24, 2025. It names the Attorney-General as the defendant. The case focuses on a petition initiated by President John Dramani Mahama.

Assafuah's lawyers, Dame and Partners, filed an application for an injunction. They want the court to prevent any actions under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution regarding the Chief Justice's removal.

He seeks to suspend the President’s warrant that purports to suspend her until the case is resolved. Assafuah argues that the President did not notify Torkornoo before consulting with the Council of State.

This action violates Article 146(6) of the Constitution. According to him, it undermines judicial independence and breaches her right to a fair hearing under Articles 23 and 296.

Exhibit "A" attached to his motion includes a press release. Other exhibits include correspondence between the President and Chief Justice Torkornoo. There are also statements from presidential appointees suggesting a predetermined outcome.

Assafuah accuses both the President and Council of State of staging a “charade” to unlawfully remove Torkornoo. He cites previous public criticisms made by the President against the Judiciary.

He claims this conduct is a “grave assault” on judicial independence. It also violates constitutional safeguards related to tenure in office.

Assafuah’s legal team warns that continuing removal proceedings could harm public trust in judiciary matters. Despite this pending case, on April 22, 2025, President Mahama announced a prima facie case against Torkornoo based on three petitions.

The statement also mentioned forming a five-member committee for investigation and her immediate suspension. The court will hear this case on May 6, 2025.