Former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has initiated legal action to block the ongoing process to confirm Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as Ghana’s next Chief Justice.
In a suit filed at the High Court, Justice Torkornoo is seeking to invalidate all proceedings of the Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang Committee, which investigated the allegations that led to her removal from office. She is also challenging the Presidential Warrant that authorized her dismissal, describing it as unconstitutional and of no legal effect.
“The committee’s process was flawed, and its recommendations, along with the resulting presidential action, must be declared null and void,” the application argues.
This legal move comes just as the Parliamentary Appointments Committee prepares to vet Justice Baffoe-Bonnie for the substantive role of Chief Justice.
Background to the Case
Justice Torkornoo was removed from office on September 1, 2025, by President John Dramani Mahama following a recommendation from a constitutional committee set up under Article 146. The committee, after consultation with the Council of State, concluded that she had engaged in misconduct — including alleged misuse of public funds and violations of constitutional duties.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, who was appointed as Acting Chief Justice on April 22, 2025, following Torkornoo’s suspension, was formally nominated by the President in September 2025 for the substantive position.
The outcome of the suit could have significant implications for the leadership of Ghana’s judiciary, potentially delaying or overturning the vetting and appointment process.
