Ghana: Mahama's Attempt to Remove Chief Justice Torkornoo Draws Criticism

In a landmark move, President John Mahama suspended Ghana’s Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo for the first time under its constitutional framework, following three confidential petitions alleging incompetence or misconduct. Despite surviving a prior dismissal attempt by predecessor Akufo-Addo due to perceived flawed reasons, her current fate has drawn criticism from legal experts, including former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame, who view it as an unprecedented attack on judicial independence. A five-member panel will review the case and hear Torkornoo’s address before making a final decision, with her removal sparking strong backlash among stakeholders.