- The adjournment was due to the absence of Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine, who was attending a training
- Former AG Godfred Yeboah Dame expressed surprise at the absence of key legal officials
- The case, filed by MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah, challenges the process for removing the Chief Justice
The Supreme Court has adjourned indefinitely a case challenging three petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
The adjournment, made on Wednesday, April 9, was due to the absence of Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine, who had secured permission from the Chief Justice to be excused because of an ongoing training for lawyers at the Office of the Attorney General. Dr. Ayine had requested an adjournment for all cases from April 7 to April 10.
Justice Henrietta Mensah Bonsu, who presided over the case, decided to adjourn the hearing indefinitely.
Former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame, representing the plaintiff, expressed surprise at the absence of Dr. Ayine and his deputy, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, due to the training workshop for state attorneys.
It is unclear when the hearing will resume, as no new date was set despite Mr. Dame’s request to adjourn until Monday, April 14.
The case, filed by Old Tafo MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah, challenges the constitutional process initiated by former President John Mahama, who received three petitions for the removal of Chief Justice Torkornoo. Mr. Assafuah argues that the Chief Justice must be given a chance to respond to the allegations before the President consults the Council of State under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution. He claims that failing to notify her beforehand violates her right to a fair hearing and threatens judicial independence.
The Supreme Court was expected to rule on whether the President’s actions align with constitutional provisions governing the removal of a sitting Chief Justice.
In response, the Chief Justice has officially addressed the petitions following President Mahama’s 10-day deadline.
