The suspension of the chief justice of the supreme court of Ghana, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, and the investigation ordered by Ghana’s president, John Mahama, over allegations of abuse of office is throwing up a big constitutional puzzle and political headache for the west African country. It has provoked deep questions about the balance of power, the independence of the judiciary and the integrity of the country’s democratic leadership.
The President’s Action and Constitutional Grounds
Supporters of President Mahama argue three anonymous petitions of corruption and suspected impropriety justify his decision. However, critics argue President Mahama’s course of action undermines Article 146 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. This article explains the procedure to impeach a Chief Justice “on the ground of proven misbehaviour or incapacity” (i.e., for incompetence or for misbehaviour). Here is the constitution, which is a cornerstone of the legal system in Ghana: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Ghana 1996
The President insists that there was a prima facie case and that there was an obligation to investigate. But the lack of information on the specific allegations has left the process itself now in doubt.
Judicial Independence Under Scrutiny
Chief Justice Torkornoo’s suspension has prompted a fierce debate over judicial independence. More than anything, the judiciary as a check on the power of the Executive is fundamental in any democracy. Critics say that no matter the constitutionality of the president’s action, it is reminiscent of trying to bully or thwart the judiciary and could give a dangerous signal. This has given rise to fears in the legal fraternity and in civil society about the permanent injury to the rule of law in Ghana.
Political Polarization: NPP and NDC Responses
The suspension has also heightened a political rift in Ghana. But the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has criticised the move as a setback for judicial independence, calls it ‘abuse of power’ and has threatened mass demonstrations. The opposition’s mindset is one of deep distrust of the executive’s motives and a desire to protect the judiciary and its role.
In contrast, National Democratic Congress (NDC), President Mahama’s party, has not made an official pronouncement. However, they are of the view that the President acted within his constitutional powers. This difference in perspective underscores the very partisan nature of the case. Everything is being seen through a partisan lens, with both sides deciding the constitution means what they want it to mean.
Parliament’s Role and the Silent Voice
Notably, Ghana’s Parliament has been rather silent in this crisis. The constitution gives Parliament a part to play in the process to remove a Chief Justice. However, its current posturing does little to suggest that this branch of government will serve as a meaningful check on the head of the executive in this case. The relative quiet from this branch of government and the related issues of separation of powers and the legislature’s role during national emergencies are extremely timely.
The Supreme Court’s Authority and the Right to a Fair Hearing
The suspension of Chief Justice Torkornoo, while under investigation, has raised serious concerns of her rights and that of the Supreme Court. Though, the constitution makes provision for the removal of a Chief Justice under certain conditions, it also guarantees due process and fair hearing. The ongoing probe needs to be conducted at the utmost level of legal procedure for it to remain valid and to keep the public confidence in the courts intact. The Supreme Court, even with its head in a sling,, remains a strong institution, and its ability to operate fairly during this difficult time is crucial. Chief Justice Torkornoo did not immediately make any public statement regarding the matter.
Impact on the Average Ghanaian: Eroding Trust?
The average Ghanaian knows that this is not just another crisis. It raises questions about the health of the country’s democratic institutions and rule of law. For the sake of citizens’ rights, justice, and the abuse of Executive power, there should be an impartial judiciary. From this perspective, any real or perceived “hollowing out” of the judiciary might diminish people’s trust in the system and generate a backlash of cynicism about democracy.
Looking Ahead: A Nation at a Crossroads
The republic of Ghana stands at a crossroads. The outcome of the investigation of Chief Justice Torkornoo will be more than a question of her fate; it will shape the future of the country’s democracy. The way in which this crisis is handled will have implications on a number of issues: the rule of law; institutional strength; national unity; regional leadership.
The Rule of Law: On the one hand, How politically exposed persons in electoral office handle this case can contribute to enhancing or undermining the rule of law in Ghana. We need to follow due process in a way that is transparent and independent.
Institutional Strength: The crisis is a test also of the strength of Ghana’s democratic institutions. The agencies that run the country should not succumb to the political pressure and act as neutrals.
National Unity: This suspension has gotten a politically charged response, meaning that this could become a lightning rod, national phenomenon. It is important to exercise caution from all sides and to put the interest of national unity above all.
Regional Leadership: Ghana is widely regarded as the model of democracy in West Africa, and based on the resolution of that crisis, it is possible that the country will or will not continue to be a leader in the region.
Future of Governance: And perhaps: the suspension might lead to calls for a new constitution or a new balance of power between the executive and judicial branches. It’s an opening for Ghana to deepen its democracy, and to strengthen accountability. The way forward requires a commitment to dialogue, enforcing the constitutional rule of law and reinforcing the institutions of Ghana’s democracy. Choices made now will help shape the destiny of the country for many generations to come.
Balancing Perspectives on the Suspension
To further maintain balance, it is important to acknowledge that this situation is very complex, and there are conflicting interpretations of both law and events. Although concerns for judicial independence are valid, it is also important to recognize the constitutional mechanisms in place for addressing allegations of misconduct against high-ranking officials.
The ongoing probe is controversial, but it complies with a legal process outlined in the constitution of Ghana. You can find the full text of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which details these procedures, here:
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Ghana_1996
It’s also important to mention that accusations of misbehavior, no matter what the denomination, can shake public trust in institutions.
The conduct of the investigation and its conclusion will be critical to rebuilding or further eroding trust in government. What is more important is to keep up the rule of law and to ensure that all sides are treated fairly and transparently. Then, sensitivities aside, just accept that the legal and political implications could be differently interpreted.
About the author
Italy Appoints World Cup Winner Gennaro Gattuso as Head Coach
On June 15, 2025, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed Gennaro Gattuso as the new head coach of the Italy national team, succeeding Luciano Spalletti, who resigned after a 3-0 loss to Norway. Gattuso signed an initial one-year contract aimed at guiding Italy through the remainder of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, with critical fixtures against Estonia (Sept 5) and Israel. 1. A Symbol of Italian Football The 47-year-old Gattuso is a revered figure in Italian football—capped 73 times, part of the 2006 World Cup-winning squad, and remembered for his fiery leadership on the pitch. FIGC President Gabriele Gravina echoed this sentiment: “The Azzurra jersey is like a second skin for him”, praising his passion, professionalism, and suitability to lead Italy forward. 2. Coaching Track Record Gattuso brings varied managerial experience, having led clubs such as AC Milan, Napoli (winning the […]
Mass “No Kings” Protests Sweep U.S. as Trump Celebrates with Military Parade
On June 14, 2025, aligning with the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and President Trump’s 79th birthday, massive protests erupted in over 2,000 cities, while Trump oversaw a high-profile military parade in Washington, D.C. 1. Scale & Coordination Dubbed the “No Kings” protests, the events may represent the largest single-day demonstrations in U.S. history—drawing 4–6 million people, or 1–2% of the population. Major urban centers such as New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Denver saw large turnouts. The organizing coalition featured the 50501 Movement and activist groups like NAACP, Indivisible, and the Women’s March. 2. Protest Motivations Participants rallied around concerns about: Perceived authoritarian drift and militarization of domestic governance. Use of National Guard and Marines in protests, especially in Los Angeles. Immigration policies, ICE raids, and erosion of democratic norms. 3. Celebrity and Civic Voice Actor Mark Ruffalo likened protestors […]
Education Ministry Consoles Families of Drowned Lawra SHS Students
In response to the tragic drowning of seven students from Lawra Senior High School, Ghana’s Ministry of Education, along with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and NADMO, has offered heartfelt condolences and support to the bereaved families. 1. Rescue Recovery Efforts The canoe carrying ten cadet-based SHS students capsized on the Black Volta River (River Dikpe) on Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a routine jogging session. While three students managed to swim to safety, seven tragically drowned. The final two bodies were recovered early Sunday morning, ending a nearly 24-hour search operation by a combined team of volunteers, police, GES officials, and NADMO personnel. 2. Ministry’s Consolation Role As verification of the recovery effort, officials from the Ministry of Education, GES, and regional disaster managers visited the affected families to express condolences and coordinate psychosocial and financial assistance. The Director-General […]
2025 FIFA Club World Cup: Guide to All 32 Teams and Format
1. Dates & Format When & Where: June 14 – July 13, 2025, across 12 venues in 11 US cities. Format: 32 clubs split into 8 groups of 4; group stage → top two advance to the Round of 16 → knockouts → final (no third-place play-off) . Prize Money: Nearly £100 million total, with significant financial rewards for participating and advancing clubs. 2. Qualified Clubs by Confederation Allocation follows FIFA’s approved slot system: UEFA (12 spots): Powerhouses like Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG, Chelsea, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, Porto, Borussia Dortmund, Benfica, Red Bull Salzburg. CONMEBOL (6): Champions such as Flamengo, River Plate, Fluminense, Palmeiras, Boca Juniors, Botafogo. AFC (4): Al-Hilal, Ulsan Hyundai, J-League side Urawa Red Diamonds, Al Ain. CAF (3): Likely Al Ahly, Esperance, Wydad AC. CONCACAF (3): Inter Miami (host), Monterrey, Pachuca, plus Seattle […]
Ablakwa Announces Stricter Visa Regulations to Block Illegal Mining Nationals
Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced stricter visa requirements aimed at preventing the entry of foreign nationals intending to participate in illegal small-scale mining (galamsey). The announcement follows his recent diplomatic talks in China, where the focus was on stemming the flow of would-be galamsey operators from regions such as Nanning. 1. Why the New Visa Rules? Officials warn that some visas are being exploited by foreign nationals looking to engage in illegal mining. The new procedures will screen applicants more closely for intended engagement in galamsey, especially in regions known for sending illegal miners to Ghana. 2. Diplomatic Push in China During a June 14 meeting with Nanning city officials—including the Vice Mayor—Ablakwa described discussions as "frank and positive." He emphasized that the Mahama administration will not tolerate illegal mining whether by locals or foreigners, and […]
GRA Postpones Implementation of Energy Sector Levy Scheduled for June 16
Ghana’s Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has indefinitely postponed the roll-out of the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL)—a GH¢1 per litre fuel surcharge slated for June 16, 2025—after stakeholder consultations and a directive from the Finance Ministry. 1. Levy Background Introduced under the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141), the levy was fast-tracked through Parliament—with an estimated GH¢5.7 billion in annual revenue intended to cover energy-sector debts and stabilize power supply. 2. Reason for Postponement The GRA cited a directive from the Minister of Finance, following input from industry stakeholders such as AOMCs, NPA, and Ghana Link Network Services, requiring further operational and technical readiness before implementation. 3. Official Spokesperson’s Statement In a June 13 public notice, Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong confirmed the levy deferral. All relevant agencies—from ports to oil-marketing companies—have been alerted and told to await […]
Related
Education Ministry Consoles Families of Drowned Lawra SHS Students
In response to the tragic drowning of seven students from Lawra Senior High School, Ghana’s Ministry of Education, along with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and NADMO, has offered heartfelt condolences and support to the bereaved families. 1. Rescue Recovery Efforts The canoe carrying ten cadet-based SHS students capsized on the Black Volta River (River Dikpe) on Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a routine jogging session. While three students managed to swim to safety, seven tragically drowned. The final two bodies were recovered early Sunday morning, ending a nearly 24-hour search operation by a combined team of volunteers, police, GES officials, and NADMO personnel. 2. Ministry’s Consolation Role As verification of the recovery effort, officials from the Ministry of Education, GES, and regional disaster managers visited the affected families to express condolences and coordinate psychosocial and financial assistance. The Director-General […]
Ablakwa Announces Stricter Visa Regulations to Block Illegal Mining Nationals
Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced stricter visa requirements aimed at preventing the entry of foreign nationals intending to participate in illegal small-scale mining (galamsey). The announcement follows his recent diplomatic talks in China, where the focus was on stemming the flow of would-be galamsey operators from regions such as Nanning. 1. Why the New Visa Rules? Officials warn that some visas are being exploited by foreign nationals looking to engage in illegal mining. The new procedures will screen applicants more closely for intended engagement in galamsey, especially in regions known for sending illegal miners to Ghana. 2. Diplomatic Push in China During a June 14 meeting with Nanning city officials—including the Vice Mayor—Ablakwa described discussions as "frank and positive." He emphasized that the Mahama administration will not tolerate illegal mining whether by locals or foreigners, and […]
GRA Postpones Implementation of Energy Sector Levy Scheduled for June 16
Ghana’s Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has indefinitely postponed the roll-out of the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL)—a GH¢1 per litre fuel surcharge slated for June 16, 2025—after stakeholder consultations and a directive from the Finance Ministry. 1. Levy Background Introduced under the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141), the levy was fast-tracked through Parliament—with an estimated GH¢5.7 billion in annual revenue intended to cover energy-sector debts and stabilize power supply. 2. Reason for Postponement The GRA cited a directive from the Minister of Finance, following input from industry stakeholders such as AOMCs, NPA, and Ghana Link Network Services, requiring further operational and technical readiness before implementation. 3. Official Spokesperson’s Statement In a June 13 public notice, Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong confirmed the levy deferral. All relevant agencies—from ports to oil-marketing companies—have been alerted and told to await […]
Parliament to Vet Seven Supreme Court Nominees Beginning Monday, June 16
Starting Monday, June 16, 2025, Ghana’s Appointments Committee of Parliament will begin a three‑day vetting exercise for seven Supreme Court nominees, all currently serving as Justices on the Court of Appeal. 1. Who’s Being Vetted? All seven nominees are Appeal Court judges elevated by President John Dramani Mahama under Article 144(2) of the 1992 Constitution. Their names are: Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh Justice Senyo Dzamefe Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah‑Boafo Justice Philip Bright Mensah Justice Janapare Bartels‑Kodwo Justice Hafisata Amaleboba 2. Purpose & Structure of the Hearings Over three days (June 16–18), the committee will scrutinize each nominee’s: Judicial competence and experience Knowledge of constitutional and human rights law Integrity and impartiality Judicial philosophy and past rulings Public engagement is expected, with citizens and legal stakeholders urged to submit observations and poses questions to the nominees. 3. […]
Seven Lawra SHS Students Feared Dead After Canoe Capsizes on Black Volta
A routine morning exercise turned into a tragedy for Lawra Senior High School on Saturday, June 14, 2025, when ten cadet students attempted to cross the Black Volta River near Dikpe in a small canoe. The boat capsized mid-river, and although three students swam to safety, seven are feared drowned. 1. What Happened During their regular jogging routine, the students spotted a canoe in use and spontaneously decided to cross. Midway, the small, overloaded canoe capsized, plunging all ten into the strong Volta current. Three survived, but seven were swept away. 2. Emergency Response Local authorities—including Ghana Police and NADMO—have mobilised divers and volunteers for a full-scale search operation. The Black Volta’s strong currents and lack of safety gear have complicated rescue efforts. 3. Recovery So Far Bodies Retrieved: At least four bodies (two boys, two girls) were recovered. Still Missing: […]
Mahama Warns Ghana Could Feel Oil Price Shock from Israel–Iran Conflict
President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned that escalating military exchanges between Israel and Iran are already lifting global crude oil prices, posing a real threat to Ghana's economic recovery and domestic fuel affordability. 1. Global Oil Prices on the Upswing The recent missile attacks have triggered a noticeable uptick in Brent and WTI crude prices—by over 7–10%, the most significant jump since the 2022 Ukraine crisis. Market fears center on potential supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and broader Middle East energy infrastructure. 2. Ghana Is Not Immune Despite being a crude oil producer, Ghana remains a net importer of refined petroleum. Mahama warned that surging global oil rates could reverse recent economic gains and impact domestic fuel prices. 3. Ministerial Directives Issued Recognizing the urgency, Mahama has ordered the Ministers of Finance and Energy to: Model the conflict’s […]