National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications Officer Sammy Gyamfi has lauded President John Dramani Mahama’s suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo as a “courageous and lawful” adherence to Ghana’s constitutional processes.
The endorsement comes amid polarized reactions to the unprecedented move, which has ignited debate over judicial accountability and political impartiality.
In a social media post on Tuesday, Gyamfi commended Mahama for acting on the Council of State’s advice to suspend the Chief Justice following the establishment of a prima facie case against her. “Your suspension of the Chief Justice… is a testament to your fidelity to the Constitution and the rule of law,” Gyamfi wrote, framing the decision as a defense of legal integrity rather than political maneuvering.
The suspension, enacted under Article 146(6) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, follows three petitions alleging administrative misconduct by Torkornoo, including unauthorized panel reconstitutions and breaches in judicial appointment protocols. A five-member committee chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang will investigate the claims, with findings determining whether parliamentary proceedings for removal commence.
While Gyamfi’s remarks reflect the NDC’s alignment with Mahama’s action, critics from opposing factions have questioned the timing and motivations. New Patriotic Party (NPP) member Akosua Manu labeled the suspension “premature,” suggesting it risks politicizing the judiciary ahead of contentious elections. Legal analysts, however, emphasize that the process remains constitutionally prescribed, requiring the committee to substantiate allegations before any permanent action.
The Chief Justice’s suspension marks a historic first in Ghana’s judicial history, testing the balance between executive oversight and judicial independence. Torkornoo had previously sought access to the petitions in March 2025 to prepare a defense, underscoring procedural rigor in the ongoing inquiry.
As the committee begins its work, the case has amplified discourse on transparency within Ghana’s judiciary, with civil society groups urging a swift and impartial resolution. For now, the suspension underscores the constitutional mechanisms designed to hold even the highest judicial officers accountable, while highlighting the delicate interplay between law and politics in a democracy navigating institutional trust.
Further developments will hinge on the investigative committee’s findings, which could redefine standards for judicial conduct and executive authority in Ghana’s governance framework.
