Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has firmly stated that the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo will remain in effect until the conclusion of an ongoing constitutional inquiry.
In a statement released on Friday, August 15, 2025, Dr. Ayine dismissed appeals from the Bar Council of England and Wales (BCEW) and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA), both of which had urged the government to reinstate the suspended Chief Justice.
He explained that the suspension is not a punitive measure but a constitutional requirement triggered by three petitions filed by citizens alleging misconduct and incompetence against Justice Torkornoo. Acting on advice from the Council of State, the President set up an independent inquiry committee, comprising justices of the Supreme Court and non-lawyer members, to investigate the claims.
“The President is bound by the recommendations of the committee and cannot intervene unilaterally,” Dr. Ayine stressed, adding that the suspension would stand until the committee completes its work and submits its findings.
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Responding to concerns raised internationally, the Attorney-General maintained that Ghana’s legal framework complies fully with the 1992 Constitution and the Latimer House Principles, which safeguard judicial independence, due process, and procedural fairness.
He further dismissed suggestions of undue delay or executive interference, pointing out that courts had already dismissed prior injunctions filed by the suspended Chief Justice as lacking merit.
“Justice Torkornoo has been accorded every protection under the law. The inquiry process is constitutional, independent, and fair,” Dr. Ayine affirmed.
The Attorney-General concluded by reiterating that the suspension would remain in place until the inquiry committee issues its final report, underscoring the government’s commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence, and the separation of powers.
