Ghana's chief justice suspended amid power grab allegations

In Ghana, a significant political controversy has arisen following the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. This unprecedented action, taken by President John Mahama, marks a historic first in the nation's judiciary. It was triggered by petitions presented to the president containing undisclosed allegations against Torkornoo, prompting widespread accusations that the constitution is being undermined and judicial independence compromised. The removal sparked protests led by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), which previously appointed Torkornoo, and other civil society groups who express concern over the government's perceived attack on democracy. They argue that due process was not followed in her suspension and that this reflects an alarming trend in political interference with the judiciary. Some legal professionals support the president's authority to act if there are valid concerns of misconduct; however, the opposition's protests illustrate a growing discontent with perceived abuses of power, which could potentially destabilize the political landscape in Ghana. This development has also drawn reactions from the Ghana Bar Association, which insists that the suspension was unconstitutional and demand reinstatement. The situation is tense, as the president's supporters believe he is acting within his rights while critics fear a dangerous precedent is being set in a country that has experienced political tensions and challenges to democratic governance in recent years.