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Ghana Bar Association Calls for Chief Justice Torkonoo's Reinstatement
Accra, Ghana - 28 April, 2025 - The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has called for the revocation of the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, passed a resolution during its Mid-Year conference.
In a resolution passed by 43 members – a decisive majority – at its mid-year conference in Accra on Saturday (26 April), the GBA described the suspension as unfair, biased and highly prejudiced, arguing that the allegations contained in the petitions against the Chief Justice failed to establish a clear prima facie case to justify her removal.
The resolution follows widespread criticism among Bar members over the initial statement issued by the Bar Association's leadership regarding the suspension.
Members expressed discontent with the tone and implications of the statement, arguing that the suspension of the Chief Justice based on petitions and a prima facie case determination was unwarranted. Instead, they advocated for the establishment of a constitutional instrument to guide the removal of judges.
The Bar Association also condemned prejudicial statements made by political actors before and after the suspension, which suggested the removal of the Chief Justice upon assumption of power.
The President of the Association Efua Ghartey, urged members to closely monitor the ongoing proceedings seeking the removal of the Chief Justice to ensure that justice is not only done but also manifestly seen to be done.
“One such issue, which is currently on the lips of Ghanaians as a result of the publicity associated with the process triggered for the removal of the Chief Justice, is what is a prima facie case?” she said.
“This process is a novel one in our history as a country, and we, the Bar, must continue to monitor the situation and not hesitate to express our opinion on it where the circumstances demand. It is important that in such matters, justice is not only done but manifestly be seen to have been done”, Ghartey further emphasised.
This development comes as political parties have scheduled a demonstration for May 5, 2025, to protest the suspension of the Chief Justice.
Source: Lead News Online
