In a rare and strongly worded statement, former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo also criticized the President’s actions.
Speaking as a member of the Council of State, she disclosed that she had voted against the removal of Chief Justice Torkornoo—making her the only dissenting vote in a 30–1 decision.
Justice Akuffo called the removal process flawed and unjust, saying it gave the Executive undue control over the Judiciary.
“This system lacks internal checks, and it threatens judicial independence,” she said.
Justice Akuffo called on the Constitutional Review Committee to amend Article 146 to include an appeal mechanism and a clear definition of executive limitations.
“We must not allow the Judiciary to become vulnerable to political interference,” she said. “A transparent, nonpartisan system for judicial appointments and removals is urgently needed.”
Civil Society and Legal Experts Mobilize
The Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Legal Practitioners Guild, and other civil society organizations have all expressed support for efforts to reverse the suspension.
The GBA has warned that it may take legal action to compel the government to follow constitutional procedures.
Frank Davies, a leading legal practitioner affiliated with the NPP, declared at the press briefing: “There is a siege on the Judiciary. If this is how our courts will be treated, then no judge is safe. Ghana must not become a place where justice bends to politics.”
National Protest Looms
A coalition of opposition parties, labour unions, women’s groups, and civil society organizations is now mobilizing for a major protest on May 5 under the theme “Save the Judiciary.” Organizers say the protest is nonpartisan and seeks to protect the rule of law.
Janet Nabla made a passionate appeal to Ghanaian women to join: “We call on women across all political lines—even those within the NDC—to rise up. The time for silence is over.”
