GBA cautions against politicisation of Chief Justice Torkornoo’s suspension
The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has warned against the politicisation of the ongoing suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, describing planned nationwide protests as unnecessary and a potential threat to Ghana’s constitutional integrity.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsfile programme on Saturday, GBA Public Relations Officer and private legal practitioner, Saviour Kudze, urged political actors and the general public to exercise restraint and allow due process to take its course.
"It appears the conversation has taken a political twist," Mr. Kudze noted. "But we must allow the constitutional processes to run their full course without interference. The committee set up by the President must be allowed to do its work."
His comments follow an announcement by a coalition of opposition and minority-aligned parties—including the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), National Democratic Party (NDP), People’s National Party (PNP), and the Ghana Union Movement (GUM)—of a national demonstration scheduled for Monday, May 5, 2025. The group has condemned the suspension as a “reckless assault” on democracy, accusing the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of orchestrating a broader takeover of independent institutions.
“This is not about politics. This is about principle. This is a fight for Ghana,” the coalition said in a statement after an emergency meeting on Thursday.
However, Mr. Kudze strongly disagreed with the approach, arguing that constitutional issues cannot be resolved through street protests.
"How do you use demonstrations to solve a legal process?" he asked. "This is a constitutional matter. Let us follow the steps calmly and allow the committee, composed of seasoned judges and citizens, to discharge its mandate."
He also cautioned against the spread of leaked documents and premature conclusions circulating in both social and traditional media.
"What if at the end of the day, the official decision is different from what is being circulated?" Mr. Kudze queried. "We must not create unnecessary tension based on speculation."
The suspension of Chief Justice Torkornoo, initiated under Article 146 of Ghana’s Constitution, has generated intense debate. However, Mr. Kudze emphasised that the President’s action was lawful.
"So far, the President has done nothing wrong," he stated.
While political parties prepare to rally in defence of what they call judicial independence, Mr. Kudze warned Ghanaians to remain vigilant against partisan narratives that could erode public trust in the judiciary.
"The Bar must rise above political colouration," he said, adding that even some legal practitioners were making public statements that risked compromising the credibility of the profession.
Mr. Kudze reassured the public that the GBA is closely monitoring the situation and will not hesitate to act if due process is undermined.
"We will not retreat. We will ensure that the rule of law prevails," he asserted.
The political coalition backing the protest has drawn parallels between the current situation and what they describe as a similar attempt by the NDC to remove former Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood in 2010.
