Gertrude Torkornoo and Mahama Ayariga
The Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has defended the constitutional and procedural processes followed in the suspension of the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo.
Speaking during the vetting of Supreme Court nominee Justice Senyo Dzamefe on Monday, June 16, 2025, he questioned why the matter was being raised during the vetting session.
“First and foremost, I think this is not the proper platform to be questioning the processes involving Justice Torkornoo. I think it is inappropriate,” he said.
He emphasised that the 1992 Constitution clearly outlines the procedures for addressing such matters.
“Let me just indicate that there is nothing procedurally questionable about the processes Justice Torkornoo is being taken through. The Constitution is clear on what the process is, and that process has been followed diligently. Efforts to challenge it at the Supreme Court have not been successful. Therefore, I find it inappropriate that, before a committee of this nature, the Minority Leader would be questioning the process, especially in relation to the accusations,” he stated.
Following the determination of a prima facie case in the three petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office, President John Dramani Mahama has suspended her and established a five-member committee to inquire into the petitions.
In the interim, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, a Justice of the Supreme Court, has assumed the role of acting Chief Justice.
His appointment as acting Chief Justice is in line with Article 144(6) of the 1992 Constitution, which stipulates that the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court shall act as Chief Justice if the position becomes vacant or the substantive Chief Justice is unable to perform his or her duties.
JKB/MA
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