CJ’s suspension sets poor precedence – President of Ghana Bar Association

The National President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Efua Ghartey, has called for a reconsideration of the suspension of Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo as Chief Justice noting that it sets a bad precedent in the country.

Justice Torkornoo’s suspension on April 22, 2025, followed three petitions alleging misconduct against her. A five-member committee was formed to probe the allegations, but the process has been mired in controversy.

The GBA had earlier called for the suspension of the Justice Torkornoo to be revoked, claiming the processes followed are unconstitutional and breach the rule of law.

Speaking at the 43rd anniversary remembrance service of the three High Court judges who were murdered in 1982, Efua Ghartey said the CJ’s suspension sets a bad precedent for the country.

“In the spirit of reconciliation, all the various calls made for a reconsideration of the suspension of the Chief Justice in the circumstances, as it sets a poor precedent, will not go unyielded.

“We yearn for peace and strive for justice as found in Micah 6:8. We were given an indication what Jesus, The Lord in the following words “And what does the Lord require of you, to act justly, love mercy and walk humble with your God,” she stated.

Read also: My resignation would mean I accept this flawed process – Torkornoo

She noted that it is the mandate of the Ghana Bar Association to rise to the defence of the Judiciary’s independence, stressing that the GBA’s defence of the actions against Justice Torkornoo is not “personality driven.”

She cautioned against “settling scores endlessly” and urged for the judiciary to be insulated from interference.

“It is hoped that any Superior Court Judge will be well appraised of the entire process before ever being subjected to same in the spirit of fairness.

“On this day that we meet to honour the memory of the Martyrs of Rule of Law, let us resolve as a nation to do ourselves proud and humbly walk away from settling scores endlessly as we are one nation with one destiny,” she added.

She continued: “We should be careful as a nation not to go down this slippery slope of endless revenge by justifying various acts with the phrase, ‘but others did that too'”.