By Ashiadey Dotse
Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie is expected to act as the Chief Justice of Ghana following the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, according to private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu.
Mr. Kpebu explained that the Constitution makes it clear that the most senior judge on the Supreme Court takes over when the Chief Justice is absent. Speaking on TV3 on April 22, 2025, he said Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, as the most senior justice, will take on the role temporarily.
President John Dramani Mahama suspended Chief Justice Torkornoo after three petitions were filed against her. This was done under Article 146(6) of the Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State.
A statement from the Presidency said a five-member committee has been formed to investigate the petitions. The members of the committee include:
1. Justice Gabriel Pwamang – Supreme Court Judge (Chairman)
2. Justice Samuel Adibu-Asiedu – Supreme Court Judge
3. Daniel Yaw Domelevo – Former Auditor-General
4. Major Flora Dalugo – Ghana Armed Forces
5. Professor James Dzisah – University of Ghana
The committee will look into the issues raised in the petitions and submit a report.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has scheduled May 6 to hear legal challenges aimed at stopping the process to remove the Chief Justice. The hearing was delayed because one of the five judges on the panel was absent.
There is also disagreement between legal teams. Former Attorney General Godfred Dame argued that the process should stop until the court decides on the injunction. But the current Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, said the President is simply following his constitutional duties, which cannot be stopped by a court order.
