UK Bar Council make an Explosive demand for CJ reinstatement
Foreign law groups demand Chief Justice reinstatement immediately. The Bar Council of England and Wales and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association issued a powerful joint statement. They want President Mahama to restore Justice Gertrude Torkornoo’s position right away. Indeed, they called for her “immediate reinstatement.” These bodies stress Ghana’s past commitment to the rule of law. They also highlight the President’s constitutional duties. Therefore, they insist on a fair and transparent process. Her legal team must have full access to it. This entire ordeal has shaken Ghana’s legal community.
The two legal bodies also demanded a clear procedure. They want rules to guide the disciplinary process. This must include a timeframe for the committee to finish its work. Furthermore, they believe some of the committee’s actions violate due process. They point to the decision to let petitioners use witnesses rather than appearing themselves. Similarly, they cite the committee’s refusal to respect the Chief Justice’s lawyers. This violates the Latimer House Principles, they argue. These principles ensure fair and just processes.
Meanwhile, the Attorney-General’s Office is fighting back. They are trying to dismiss a judicial review application. The suspended Chief Justice filed this application. She wants the High Court to throw out one of the petitions against her. She claims the petition is flawed. Her legal team argues that the group who filed it is not a registered entity. They also say its members’ identities are unknown. But the Deputy Attorney-General believes these claims are baseless. He contends the committee should continue its work.
The controversy began on April 22, 2025. President Mahama suspended Justice Torkornoo after three petitions were filed. A committee was subsequently appointed to investigate the allegations. The Ghana Bar Association has already called the suspension unconstitutional. They argue the president did not publish proper regulations. Still, Justice Torkornoo has raised her own serious concerns. She says the committee has abused her rights. She claims they have subjected her to invasive body searches. They have also confiscated her devices. Moreover, they have denied her family access during hearings. Her challenge at the ECOWAS Court adds a new, international layer. The case now sits at a critical juncture.
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