Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has challenged Ghana Bar Association (GBA) President Efua Ghartey’s call to rescind Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo’s suspension, citing alleged political bias.
Speaking on TV3’s KeyPoints (July 5), Kpebu asserted: “Efua Ghartey is a widely known NPP sympathizer—she shouldn’t lead this advocacy,” arguing her stance risks undermining the GBA’s perceived neutrality.
Kpebu’s remarks followed Ghartey’s renewed appeal during the June 30 Martyrs’ Day commemoration honoring three judges murdered in 1982. The GBA president had warned the suspension sets a “troubling precedent” for judicial independence, urging reconciliation “in the spirit of peace.”
National Petroleum Authority (NPA) Acting CEO Godwin Edudzi Tameklo countered with a rule-of-law emphasis: “Let due process prevail. The Chief Justice is represented by respected lawyers before the committee.” His reference aligns with the five-member panel chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Pwamang established under Article 146 of Ghana’s Constitution after President Mahama’s April 22 suspension order.
The constitutional process remains ongoing, with Torkornoo formally responding to three removal petitions reviewed by the Council of State.
