The Commonwealth Lawyers Association and the Bar Council of England and Wales have called on President John Dramani Mahama to rescind his suspension of the Chief Justice of Ghana, Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkornoo.

In a joint statement issued on August 14, 2025, the lawyers, while noting some issues surrounding the ongoing removal proceedings against the Chief Justice, made key demands, including a fair and transparent process in the ongoing impeachment proceedings.

“Immediately and without delay, reinstate the Chief Justice of Ghana to her Office, consistent with both the hitherto strong attachment to the rule of law demonstrated by Ghana and also the constitutional duties incumbent upon them; and

“Afford the Chief Justice due and fair process in the investigation and determination of the disciplinary matters brought against her, including (but not limited to) full and transparent access to that process by her legal representatives,” the statement said.

High Court dismisses Torkornoo's judicial review application

On the need for transparency, the lawyers demanded a clear procedure, including timelines, to guide the investigative process.

“Provide clear and transparent rules of procedure to guide the disciplinary process, which must include the time frame within which the investigating committee must conclude the disciplinary process against the Chief Justice, without any further delay, and communicate the decision of that process to all concerned in upholding the rule of law in Ghana,” the statement said.

The ongoing disciplinary process against the Chief Justice is based on three petitions asking for her removal.

President Mahama, acting on a prima facie case established by the Council of State, suspended Justice Torkornoo pending the outcome of an investigation by a five-member committee constituted by the president.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Attorney-General has asked a High Court to strike out a second review application filed by Justice Torkornoo, who is seeking a dismissal of one of the petitions against her.

$10m, Revocation of Suspension: Details of CJ Torkornoo's ECOWAS court suit against government

Justice Torkornoo has so far failed in various legal attempts to reverse her suspension and halt the ongoing investigation.

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