Ghana President Suspends Chief Justice, Citing Misconduct

In an unprecedented move, Ghana’s President John Mahama has suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, sparking a national debate about judicial independence. This marks the first time in Ghana’s history that a sitting chief justice has been suspended. The suspension follows three undisclosed petitions calling for her removal, though the contents of the allegations remain secret. Chief Justices in Ghana are protected by security of tenure, making this move highly controversial. Critics, including former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame, argue that the suspension is an attack on judicial independence. Torkornoo, Ghana’s third female chief justice, has been given the chance to respond privately before a final decision is made on her position.

BBC