A former Director of the Ghana School of Law, Dr Kwaku Ansa-Asare, has criticised suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo for publicly addressing the nation amid her ongoing suspension proceedings.
He reminded the public that only the President holds the constitutional authority to lift her suspension.
Speaking on the Pulse show today, Dr Ansa-Asare emphasised:
“The public is not the President. The public cannot lift or terminate the suspension. Only the President can do so, in accordance with the constitutional procedures laid down. It is not the role of the public.”
He strongly criticised the Chief Justice’s decision to make public statements while the legal process is still underway.
“This is yet another example of a misguided approach by a frustrated suspended Chief Justice. I urge her to channel her defence through the appropriate legal and constitutional channels. It is disappointing to see her rally public sentiment amid an ongoing constitutional process,” he said.
Dr Ansa-Asare called on Chief Justice Torkornoo to respect legal procedures and allow the process to run its course.
“She should wait for the process to conclude before addressing the public about the outcome. No matter how many times she appears before the public, it will not change the fact that she has been suspended,” he added firmly.
Reaffirming his confidence in the constitutionality of the suspension, he said:
“The suspension process is constitutional and supported by law. We must all respect the pathway outlined in Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.”
He also advised that if the Chief Justice is dissatisfied with the process, she should appeal to the review committee established to examine such matters.
“The review committee exists to support and assess the process. Should there be any flaws in Article 146, amendments can be recommended. However, this is not a matter to be resolved through public protests or statements,” Dr Ansa-Asare said.
His remarks come shortly after Chief Justice Torkornoo’s recent public address, which has sparked debate about the role of public engagement during judicial disciplinary proceedings.
Justice Gertrude Torkornoo was suspended on April 22, 2025, following three petitions alleging misconduct. President John Mahama determined that there was sufficient cause to initiate an investigation under Article 146(6) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
A five-member committee was subsequently appointed to examine the allegations, but the process has since been overshadowed by controversy.
The suspended Chief Justice has consistently challenged the proceedings, filing an injunction at the Supreme Court to halt the committee’s activities on grounds of rights violations.
She insists that Ghana has come too far to overlook the unconstitutional actions being taken—not only against her personally as Chief Justice, but also against all judges and public officers subject to removal under Article 146.
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