The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has voiced strong concern over the recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, warning that the move could seriously undermine the independence and impartiality of the judiciary at a time of increasing political tension.
In a statement signed by its president, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, the Conference emphasized that Ghana’s democratic stability hinges on an independent judiciary.
They cautioned that any actions; perceived or actual; that compromise judicial integrity could erode public trust and fuel national discord.
“A healthy, functioning democracy equally demands an independent, credible judiciary, free from political interference,” the bishops noted. “ustice is the indispensable cornerstone of national cohesion; without it, grievances fester and violence finds fertile ground.”
Chief Justice Torkornoo was suspended by President John Mahama under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution. She has since challenged the decision in both the Supreme Court and the High Court, arguing that the process is unfair, degrading, and politically driven.
The Supreme Court recently struck out a supplementary affidavit filed by Justice Torkornoo, ruling that it contained confidential details protected by constitutional provisions.
The decision followed an objection by Deputy Attorney General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, who maintained that the affidavit breached confidentiality requirements.
The Bishops’ Conference stressed that the removal of a sitting Chief Justice is a matter of “profound national significance” that must be handled with utmost constitutional fidelity, procedural fairness, and respect for the separation of powers.
“In the light of these grave concerns, we urge all stakeholders to act with the utmost conscientiousness, safeguarding both the inviolable rule of law and the dignity of the judiciary,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the embattled Chief Justice has filed a separate lawsuit at the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice in Abuja, Nigeria, alleging human rights violations in relation to her suspension and the impeachment proceedings. The suit was filed on Friday, July 4.
Find below the statement
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
