By Issah Olegor
The legal and judicial landscape of Ghana has been thrown into turmoil following a decisive move by Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, who has allegedly sacked several lawyers appointed under the previous administration in October 2024.
This sweeping action comes in the wake of the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo and the dramatic resignation of Judicial Secretary, Justice Cyra Pamela Koranteng, setting off a chain of institutional changes that have raised concerns about political interference in the judiciary.
AG Terminates Lawyers’ Appointments
Sources within the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice confirmed that Assistant State Attorneys and other key legal officers appointed during the final months of former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration in October 2024 have been relieved of their duties.
Dr. Ayine’s move to terminate their appointments has been justified internally as part of an institutional “realignment” following a change in government.
However, critics and insiders suggest the dismissals are part of a broader political purge aimed at consolidating control over Ghana’s prosecutorial and judicial machinery.
Interestingly, he has appointed the Daughter of the Acting Chief Justice, Paula Q. Baffoe-Bonnie, to the Attorney-General’s Department.
The Suspension of Chief Justice Torkornoo
At the center of the controversy is the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. President John Mahama announced her suspension on April 22, 2025, after determining that a prima facie case existed against her based on three petitions alleging misconduct and incompetence.
Under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution, once a prima facie case is established against a Chief Justice, the President must suspend the officeholder pending the conclusion of a formal inquiry by a committee.
Chief Justice Torkornoo’s removal has drawn both support and condemnation.
Some legal observers view it as a commitment to accountability, while others see it as a dangerous precedent for executive overreach into judicial independence.
Judicial Secretary Resigns in Protest?
In a further blow to the judiciary, Judicial Secretary, Justice Cyra Pamela Koranteng resigned suddenly after news of the Chief Justice’s suspension broke.
Although no official reason has been given, insiders say her resignation reflects discomfort with the rapid political realignment and concerns about judicial independence being undermined.
Following her departure, the Acting Chief Justice swiftly appointed the Deputy Judicial Secretary to serve in an acting capacity while the Judicial Council considered a permanent replacement.
In a swift follow-up to the Chief Justice’s suspension, President Mahama appointed the longest-serving Supreme Court judge, Justice Paul Kwadwo Baffoe-Bonnie, as Acting Chief Justice.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, who was called to the Bar in 1982, has had a long and distinguished career, including serving on the panel that ruled on the 2012 presidential election petition.
However, his appointment has raised eyebrows given his family’s close ties to the National Democratic Congress (NDC)—the ruling party.
His late brother, Sainti Baffoe-Bonnie, founded Radio Gold, a station known for its pro-NDC editorial stance.
Another brother, Eugene Baffoe-Bonnie, was convicted under the previous administration for financial malfeasance in the National Communications Authority (NCA) scandal.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s wife, Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, was also recently named acting Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service.
While government sources insist that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s appointment is based on seniority and experience, opposition figures warn of creeping partisanship within the highest echelons of the judiciary.
Attorney-General Defends the Sackings and the President’s Authority
Speaking after yet another adjournment of a Supreme Court case seeking to halt the Chief Justice’s removal process, Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine defended the President’s actions.
He argued that until an order is issued by the Supreme Court, there is no legal obstacle preventing the President from carrying out his constitutional mandate.
“He must understand that it is the constitutional duty, and the law is very clear that you cannot enjoin the performance or conduct of a public communication,” Dr. Ayine told reporters, rejecting calls to suspend the ongoing proceedings.
The injunction application was filed by a private legal practitioner and former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame. It seeks to stop the President and the Council of State from moving forward with the Chief Justice’s suspension until the matter is fully resolved by the Court.
However, a delayed hearing caused by the absence of Justice Samuel Asiedu has bought the government more time to implement its changes.
