Hundreds of opposition supporters flooded the streets of Accra on Monday, protesting President John Mahama’s suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, calling the move unconstitutional and politically motivated. The demonstrators—many dressed in red and black—were led by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) and supported by three smaller parties. They demanded the immediate reinstatement of Torkornoo, Ghana’s third female chief justice, who was appointed by former President Nana Akufo-Addo two years ago.
The suspension, announced last week, followed the submission of three undisclosed petitions alleging misconduct. President Mahama justified the decision under constitutional provisions allowing the head of state to act against senior public officials accused of wrongdoing. However, critics argue that due process was not followed, undermining judicial independence. Protesters and the Ghana Bar Association—which issued a similar condemnation—say Mahama’s unilateral action sets a dangerous precedent. “The judiciary is under attack,” said protester Serwaa Akoto. Another, Charles Oteng, warned: “The youth will not sit for him to do whatever he wants.”
Torkornoo’s suspension marks the first time a sitting chief justice has been removed in Ghana’s history. By law, chief justices enjoy security of tenure until retirement, but the constitution also allows presidential intervention in cases of “stated misbehaviour or incompetence.” Supporters of the president argue the constitution was upheld and that the suspension is a legitimate step to preserve public trust in the judiciary. A parliamentary committee is expected to summon Justice Torkornoo to respond to the allegations in the coming weeks.
Torkornoo has previously denied allegations of political bias, particularly regarding rulings in high-profile political cases. Her suspension comes amid escalating tensions between the executive and judiciary, fueling broader concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions in Ghana ahead of the October 2025 general elections.
