The Member of Parliament (MP) for Upper Manya Krobo, Hon. Bismark Tetteh Nyarko, has strongly rejected calls by international legal associations for President John Dramani Mahama to reinstate suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo.
He insisted that Ghana has the institutional capacity and constitutional framework to handle the matter without interference from external bodies.
His response came after the Bar Council of England and Wales and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association issued a joint statement on August 14, urging Ghana to immediately reinstate the suspended Chief Justice and ensure full adherence to due process in the ongoing impeachment proceedings.
Mr. Nyarko, who serves on Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Committee, accused the foreign legal associations of overstepping their mandate. He argued that Ghana’s constitution provides clear procedures for handling petitions against a sitting Chief Justice and stressed that these provisions are currently being followed.
“It is very unacceptable because what they should know is that we are no longer a colony of the British, so for a commonwealth association to authorise our attorney general and minister of justice to reinstate the suspended CJ is uncalled for. Our constitution has outlined how such matters should be addressed.”
Hon. Bismark Tetteh Nyarko, MP for Upper Manya Krobo
The lawmaker emphasised that judicial accountability is strictly a domestic affair and warned against what he described as external dictation in Ghana’s constitutional processes. He maintained that while international bodies may comment, they cannot impose directives on a sovereign nation.
“So far as we are adhering to our constitutional provisions, the association should leave the matter to be determined. We are capable of determining our own issues. So I think that was a joke; we are not taking it seriously.”
Hon. Bismark Tetteh Nyarko, MP for Upper Manya Krobo
The Upper Manya Krobo MP’s remarks reflect broader sentiments within sections of Ghana’s political class, who believe the country must guard its independence in handling sensitive constitutional matters.
He argued that to accept directives from the Commonwealth Lawyers Association or the Bar Council of England and Wales would amount to undermining Ghana’s sovereignty.
Ghana’s Position on International Concerns
Meanwhile, Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, formally responded to the joint statement from the international legal bodies.
He clarified that the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, which took effect on April 22, 2025, would remain in place until the constitutionally mandated inquiry committee completes its work.
Dr. Ayine stressed that the process was in line with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, which outlines the mechanisms for handling petitions against justices of the superior courts. He dismissed suggestions that the executive had breached constitutional provisions or interfered in the judicial process.
According to him, the suspension was not an arbitrary decision but a legal requirement once petitions of such gravity were submitted. The committee is expected to investigate the three separate petitions and submit its report to President Mahama, who would then act on its recommendations.
Broader Implications
The suspension of Chief Justice Torkornoo has sparked debate both within and outside the country, with international bodies warning against threats to judicial independence. However, Ghanaian authorities maintain that the process demonstrates the resilience of the nation’s constitutional framework.
Mr. Nyarko, while reiterating his objection to the international calls, stressed that Ghana’s institutions must be allowed to operate without undue influence. He argued that the Bar Council of England and Wales and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association failed to recognise that Ghana is no longer bound by colonial subordination.
The coming weeks are expected to be pivotal as the inquiry committee continues its work on the petitions. The report, once submitted, will guide President Mahama’s final decision on whether Chief Justice Torkornoo is reinstated or removed from office.
Until then, government officials have insisted that Ghana’s legal processes remain sovereign and firmly grounded in the country’s constitutional order.
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