Former Energy Minister and MP for Manhyia South, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has voiced significant worries regarding the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, labeling the situation as “sorrowful, disappointing, and hazardous for the democracy of Ghana.”
During a discussion on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Dr. Prempeh, who is often referred to as Napo, expressed his astonishment that the Council of State, which he referred to as a collection of “esteemed and respected individuals,” would suggest such an action based on what he deemed “insignificant and trivial” petitions.
“I was unable to comprehend the situation until the petitions were made public. I felt sickened when the Council of State recommended her suspension based on those claims. These issues are minor, and anyone who tried to sue me on such grounds would certainly lose,” he stated.
The Vice-Presidential Candidate for the NPP in 2024 cautioned that if President John Mahama carries out the dismissal of Chief Justice Torkornoo, it will jeopardize the job security of Supreme Court judges and threaten judicial autonomy in Ghana.
“If President Mahama manages to remove Torkornoo, not a single Supreme Court judge will feel safe under varying administrations. It brings shame to the country on an international level and establishes a severely negative precedent,” he warned.
Dr. Prempeh also drew attention to the recent dismissal of the Director of Legal Education and the resignation of the Judicial Secretary under contentious circumstances, asserting that these incidents indicate a disturbing pattern within the judiciary.
“We recognize she resigned, but was it a decision made freely or under pressure? We must uncover the full story,” he remarked.
He urged the President to reconsider his decision.
“My guidance to Mahama is that he is currently the president, but nothing is everlasting. Should the Chief Justice be dismissed in this manner, it could ruin the country indefinitely. It is unacceptable, and we need to proceed with caution,” he emphasized.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo faced suspension in April 2025 due to petitions that questioned certain aspects of her performance in her role. This decision has ignited fierce discussions among legal experts, civil society organizations, and political leaders.
Detractors claim the petitions lack substance and are driven by political motives, cautioning that they endanger judicial independence and Ghana’s global standing, while others argue that accountability at the highest judicial levels is essential for maintaining public trust.
The controversial Chief Justice is presently contesting her suspension at the ECOWAS court, amid appeals from the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), the Bar Council of England and Wales, and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association for her reinstatement.
