Vincent Ekow Assafuah, a member of the legal team representing suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, has voiced disappointment over the Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss an injunction application aimed at halting a presidential committee investigating her possible removal from office.
The Chief Justice had filed the injunction on May 21, seeking to restrain a six-member committee—established by President John Mahama—from proceeding with its inquiries into petitions submitted against her.
She also requested the disqualification of two committee members, Justices Gabriel Pwamang and Samuel Adibu-Asiedu, citing concerns over impartiality and conflict of interest.
However, in a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court dismissed the application. The full ruling is expected to be delivered on June 12, 2025.
Speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on Wednesday, May 28, Assafuah said the legal team had hoped the Court would prioritise fundamental constitutional rights over procedural technicalities.
“We were thinking that the Supreme Court will protect constitutional rights of persons as against mere procedures in the proceeding. Unfortunately we didn’t get it that way,” he stated.
Assafuah described the decision as a troubling signal for individuals seeking redress in cases held behind closed doors, such as the one involving the Chief Justice.
“We felt that at any point in time, irrespective of the forum, the constitutional rights of persons—if they are being trampled upon—the best place to come is the Supreme Court. Unfortunately the Supreme Court did not reason with us,” he said.
“And for that matter the impression is created that if you go to a forum like that and if people put a gun at you or on your head or you are being slapped—because it is supposed to be in camera—you have no avenue to take your concerns. So that is what we have been told.”
Calling the ruling “unfortunate” and “disappointing,” Assafuah concluded:
“What can we say?”
The Supreme Court’s decision marks a significant moment in the ongoing legal and constitutional debate regarding the Chief Justice’s suspension and the extent of presidential powers over judicial accountability.
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Supreme Court unanimously dismisses Torkornoo’s injunction application