The Centre for Citizenship, Constitutional and Electoral Systems has filed an application at the Supreme Court to keep suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo in office.
According to the group, the suspension of the Chief Justice by President John Mahama violates key provisions of the 1992 Constitution, particularly Articles 17(1)–(3), 23, 296, and 146(1)–(4) and (6).
They said the procedure lacked due process and failed to uphold the principles of fairness, non-discrimination, and lawful administrative conduct as enshrined in the Constitution.
Consequently, the group is asking the Supreme Court to declare that the President’s response to three petitions seeking the Chief Justice’s removal was unconstitutional.
Meanwhile, a five-member committee established by President Mahama to probe the case is set to commence hearings today, Thursday, May 15.
The committee, chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, was constituted in accordance with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution.
Its establishment followed a determination of a prima facie case against the Chief Justice and was undertaken in consultation with the Council of State.
The committee is expected to convene three times a week and, upon the completion of its work, present its findings and recommendations to the President.
Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo is currently under investigation following five separate petitions alleging misconduct.
In response, President Mahama, after seeking advice from the Council of State, suspended Justice Torkornoo and set up a five-member panel to conduct a detailed inquiry into the allegations.
