Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine has reaffirmed that the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo will remain in effect until an inquiry committee completes its investigation and submits its findings to President John Dramani Mahama.
“The suspension will, therefore, remain in effect until the inquiry committee completes its work and submits its report, to which His Excellency, the President will adhere,” Dr. Ayine said.
His statement comes in response to a joint call by the Bar Council of England and Wales and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association on August 14, urging the immediate reinstatement of Justice Torkornoo.
The two legal bodies described Ghana as a country with a strong tradition of upholding the rule of law and expressed concern over the April 22 suspension.
Dr. Ayine dismissed claims of executive interference or constitutional breaches, stating, “The suspension strictly adheres to the provisions of the 1992 Constitution and that “any suggestion to the contrary is unfounded and risks misrepresenting a constitutional process being conducted fairly, transparently, and in line with the law.”
He added that neither the Constitution nor the Latimer House Principles prevent the suspension of a Chief Justice once a prima facie case of misconduct has been established.
Justice Torkornoo has challenged the suspension at the ECOWAS Court, where the government is defending its position.
