The Bar Council of England and Wales and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) have voiced “serious concern” over the suspension of Ghana’s Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, calling on the government to reinstate her without delay and ensure due process in ongoing disciplinary proceedings.
Justice Torkornoo, who was appointed Ghana’s Chief Justice in June 2023, was suspended from office on 22 April 2025 by the executive.
On 4 July she filed a case at the ECOWAS Court of Justice, challenging the constitutionality of the move after earlier legal efforts in Ghana. She has argued that the suspension raises significant questions about judicial independence, procedural fairness, and adherence to constitutional safeguards.
In a joint statement released on 14 August, the two legal bodies reminded Ghana of its obligations as a Commonwealth member state, particularly its commitment to uphold the independence and impartiality of the judiciary.
They cited both the Commonwealth Charter and the Latimer House Principles, which stress that judges should only face suspension or removal for incapacity or proven misbehaviour and that any disciplinary process must include safeguards such as the right to full defence, representation, and judgement by an impartial tribunal.
The groups expressed regret at what they described as breaches of due process, including allowing petitioners to use witnesses instead of appearing in person, denying respect to the Chief Justice’s legal team during hearings, and delaying the conclusion of disciplinary measures.
They urged President John Dramani Mahama’s administration to immediately reinstate Justice Torkornoo, guarantee fair and transparent procedures, and set clear timelines for resolving the case.
The statement echoed earlier concerns raised by the Commonwealth Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association and the Ghana Bar Association, warning that Ghana’s reputation as a country committed to the rule of law was at stake.
The Bar Council and CLA stressed that judicial independence remains “the bedrock of democracy” and said the ongoing suspension threatens public confidence in the justice system.
