AG's objection to panel for CJ's hearing dismissed

Ghana’s Supreme Court has unanimously dismissed an objection raised by former Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, against the participation of Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie in the panel hearing the case concerning the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. Dame, who described 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 Chief Justice. According to My Joy Online, he said 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 Dame did not disqualify Baffoe-Bonnie from presiding over the proceedings, and that due judicial process would be upheld throughout the case. The panel 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 Torkornoo.