Justice Baffoe-Bonnie to temporarily serve as Chief Justice following suspension of Justice Torkornoo
Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie is expected to assume the role of Acting Chief Justice of Ghana following the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
This development was disclosed by private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu.
Speaking on TV3 on April 22, 2025, Mr. Kpebu explained that the Constitution stipulates that the most senior judge on the Supreme Court steps in when the Chief Justice is unable to perform their duties. As the most senior justice currently serving, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie is set to temporarily fill the position.
Chief Justice Torkornoo was suspended by President John Dramani Mahama after three petitions were submitted against her. The suspension was carried out under Article 146(6) of the Constitution, in consultation with the Council of State.
According to a statement from the Presidency, a five-member committee has been constituted to investigate the petitions. The members of the committee are as follows:
- Justice Gabriel Pwamang – Supreme Court Judge (Chairman)
- Justice Samuel Adibu-Asiedu – Supreme Court Judge
- Daniel Yaw Domelevo – Former Auditor-General
- Major Flora Dalugo – Ghana Armed Forces
- Professor James Dzisah – University of Ghana
The committee is tasked with reviewing the allegations outlined in the petitions and submitting a report based on its findings.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear legal challenges seeking to halt the removal process on May 6. The hearing was postponed due to the absence of one of the five judges on the panel.
Tensions have also arisen between legal teams involved in the case. Former Attorney General Godfred Dame has argued that proceedings should be paused until the court rules on an injunction.
However, current Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine maintains that the President is acting in line with constitutional provisions, and such actions cannot be halted by a court injunction.
