President suspends Ghana's chief justice in unprecedented move

In Ghana, the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo took place after President John Mahama acted on allegations presented in three undisclosed petitions. This historic move marked the first time a chief justice has been removed from office in Ghana. The petitions, the content of which remains confidential, called for her permanent removal, prompting an investigation into her conduct. Chief justices in Ghana hold security of tenure, which means they can only be dismissed on specific grounds such as incompetence or misbehavior. Critics of the suspension, particularly from the opposition, have labeled it as an abuse of power and an attempt by Mahama to 'pack the courts' with judges favorable to his ruling National Democratic Congress party. They assert that the president's action represents a serious violation of the judiciary's independence and due process, highlighting that Mahama should have provided the chief justice copies of the petitions before proceeding with her suspension. Supporters of the president, however, believe the move was warranted to maintain the integrity of the judicial system. Gertrude Torkornoo, who took office in 2023 after being appointed by former president Nana Akufo-Addo, has faced scrutiny over her professional conduct, with some alleging that the Supreme Court's decisions under her oversight favored political allies. Following her suspension, additional petitions were also filed against her. A five-member committee has been organized to investigate these allegations further, promising a process that allows Torkornoo to respond to the accusations presented against her. Legal experts have voiced concerns regarding the manner in which the president handled the situation, suggesting that withholding the content of the petitions initially infringed upon her right to a fair hearing. This unprecedented action has sparked widespread discourse regarding the separation of powers in Ghana and the challenges faced by the judiciary. The ramifications of this suspension could extend into the political landscape, affecting public perception of both the judiciary and the executive branches of government in Ghana. As the investigation unfolds, the public awaits to see how this event will shape the future of judicial independence in the country, reflecting broader issues of governance and accountability.