Bar Council and Commonwealth Lawyers Association Express Concern Over Ghana’s Chief Justice Suspension

The Bar Council of England and Wales and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) have expressed serious concern over the suspension of Ghana’s Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude A.E.S. Torkornoo. The suspension, which occurred on April 22, 2025, raises questions about the independence and impartiality of the judiciary in Ghana.

Concerns Over Suspension

The CLA and the Bar Council of England and Wales have highlighted several issues with the suspension, including:

Lack of Due Process: The decision to continue to suspend the Chief Justice appears to be in breach of Ghana’s constitutional duties and principles.

Unfair Treatment: The investigating committee’s decision to permit petitioners to use witnesses instead of attending themselves to answer questions on their petitions against the Chief Justice.

Disrespect to the Chief Justice’s Legal Representative: The committee’s treatment of the Chief Justice’s legal representative has been deemed unacceptable.

Call to Action

The CLA and the Bar Council of England and Wales are calling on the President of Ghana and the Executive government to:

Immediately Reinstate the Chief Justice: Restore the Chief Justice to her office.

Ensure Due Process: Provide the Chief Justice with fair and transparent access to the investigation.

Establish Clear Rules of Procedure: Set clear and transparent rules to guide the disciplinary process.

Importance of Independent Judiciary

The CLA and the Bar Council of England and Wales emphasize the importance of an independent and impartial judiciary in upholding the rule of law and ensuring public confidence in the justice system. Ghana’s commitment to the Commonwealth Charter and principles underscores the need for a fair and transparent process in disciplinary matters involving judges.

The Commonwealth Lawyers Association is an international non-profit organisation that promotes and maintains the rule of law throughout the Commonwealth. The Bar Council represents approximately 17,000 barristers in England and Wales and is the Approved Regulator for the Bar.

Below is the full release: