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 process started 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 Constitution regarding the Chief Justice's removal.

He seeks to suspend the President’s warrant that claims 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. This article outlines how to remove a justice from superior courts. He believes this lapse undermines judicial independence and denies Torkornoo a fair hearing.

Exhibit “A” attached to his motion includes a press release. Other exhibits show correspondence between the President and Chief Justice. They also include 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 past criticisms made by the President against the Judiciary as evidence.

He claims this conduct severely threatens judicial independence and violates constitutional protections for justices' tenure. His legal team warns that allowing removal proceedings could harm public trust in judiciary systems.

Despite this ongoing court process, on April 22, 2025, President Mahama issued a press release. He stated that there was enough evidence against Torkornoo based on three petitions received.

The statement also announced a five-member committee to investigate allegations against her and confirmed her immediate suspension. The case is set for hearing on May 6, 2025.