Acting Managing Director of Goldbod and National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has revealed that 30 out of the 31 Council of State members recommended the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Gyamfi explained that although he could not name the individual members, their advice significantly influenced the President’s decision.
“The President forwarded these petitions to the Council of State in accordance with the law and also to the Chief Justice. Out of the 31 members, 30 voted for an investigation into the petition. These are eminent personalities—not partisan or politically exposed people,” he said.
His comments come after President John Mahama suspended Chief Justice Torkornoo on Tuesday, April 22, following the establishment of a prima facie case in response to three separate petitions calling for her removal.
The action, in line with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution, and after consultation with the Council of State, has set the stage for a formal inquiry by a five-member committee.
The suspension has sparked heated public debate, with many—especially members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)—describing it as politically motivated and a witch hunt.
However, Gyamfi cautioned against hasty judgments and the politicisation of the process, stressing that no one has declared the Chief Justice guilty.
“Nobody in the NDC declared that we would sack the Chief Justice when voted into power, neither has any NDC member submitted any petition,” he said.
“But we are creating the impression that the Chief Justice is a demigod and above the law. Is that what people are saying? Are we governed by the rule of law or by the Chief Justice? Nobody is saying she is guilty, but there are issues to be answered,” he stated.
He concluded, “I don’t know who the last person is, but they all can’t be NDC members, have personal issues with the Chief Justice, or hate her for pursuing a partisan interest.”
Listen to Sammy Gyamfi in the audio above:
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