Ghana's Historic Suspension of Chief Justice Calls Judicial Independence into Question

In an unprecedented political move, Ghana's President John Mahama has suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo amid allegations that have sparked concerns about the independence of the judiciary. This administrative action, the first of its kind in Ghana's history, comes as three petitions calling for Governor Torkornoo's removal have been filed, details of which remain undisclosed. Historically, chief justices in Ghana enjoy a secure tenure, with limited grounds for removal, such as incompetence or misconduct. Former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame described the suspension as a significant threat to judicial independence and termed it a "complete charade." Despite previously surviving attempts to oust her, Chief Justice Torkornoo, who is the third female chief justice in the nation, now faces a five-member investigative committee that will review the claims against her. She has received copies of the petitions to prepare her defense, which raises concerns over her right to a fair hearing in this politically sensitive situation.

President John Mahama suspends Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, raising alarm over judicial independence and impending investigations.