Former Manhyia South MP and Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has expressed deep concern over the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, describing it as “sad, disappointing, and dangerous for Ghana’s democracy.”
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Dr. Prempeh, popularly known as Napo, said he was shocked that the Council of State, which he described as a body of “dignified and renowned members,” could recommend such a measure based on what he called “hollow and frivolous” petitions.
“I never understood the issues until the petitions became public. I was disgusted when the Council of State recommended her suspension on the basis of those petitions. These matters are trivial, and if anyone sued me on these grounds, they would never win,” he said.
The NPP 2024 Vice-Presidential Candidate warned that if President John Mahama proceeds with the removal of Chief Justice Torkornoo, it would erode the security of tenure for Supreme Court judges and undermine judicial independence in Ghana.
“If President Mahama succeeds in removing Torkornoo, no Supreme Court judge will feel secure under different governments. It disgraces the nation internationally and sets a very bad precedent,” he cautioned.
Dr. Prempeh further highlighted the recent removal of the Director of Legal Education and the resignation of the Judicial Secretary under controversial circumstances, arguing that these events point to a worrying trend in the judiciary.
“We know she resigned, but was it voluntary or forceful? We must get the back story,” he added.
He urged the President to reconsider his actions.
“My advice to Mahama is that he is now the president, but no condition is permanent. If the Chief Justice is removed under these circumstances, it can destroy the nation forever. It is distasteful, and we must tread cautiously,” he stressed.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo was suspended in April 2025 following petitions that questioned aspects of her conduct in office. The move sparked intense debate among legal practitioners, civil society groups, and political figures.
Critics argue that the petitions are weak and politically motivated, warning they threaten judicial independence and Ghana’s reputation internationally, while others maintain that accountability at the highest levels of the judiciary is necessary to preserve public confidence.
The embattled Chief Justice is currently challenging the suspension at the ECOWAS court, amidst calls from the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), the Bar Council of England and Wales, and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association for her reinstatement.
Source: Gertrude Otchere
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