The Supreme Court has unanimously dismissed an objection raised by former Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, against the participation of acting Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, in the panel hearing the case concerning the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. Mr Dame, who described Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s role as “unprecedented”, argued that it was procedurally improper for the acting Chief Justice to both empanel and preside over a matter directly involving the substantive Chief Justice.
According to him, such a move could undermine public confidence in the judiciary’s independence. Following a brief recess, the Supreme Court panel reconvened and unanimously overruled the objection. The justices held that the concerns raised by the former Attorney General did not disqualify Justice Baffoe-Bonnie from presiding over the proceedings, and that due judicial process would be upheld throughout the case.
The panel currently hearing the matter comprises Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Justice Henrietta Mensah Bonsu, Justice Yonny Kulendi, Justice Amadu Tanko, and Justice Ernest Gaewu. The ruling clears the path for the continuation of legal arguments surrounding the controversial suspension of Chief Justice Torkornoo.
By: Ernest K. Arhinful
