Ndiho Media,LLC.

By Ndiho Media

It’s been five months since President John Dramani Mahama returned to power, and already, his administration is making waves. One of the first high-profile shakeups was the suspension of Ghana’s Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo.

The move triggered a constitutional process under Article 146 based on petitions filed by three individuals. The president forwarded the petitions to the Council of State, requested a preliminary response from the Chief Justice, and, after establishing a prima facie case, formed a five-member committee to investigate. The Chief Justice was then suspended, pending the outcome.

While critics call the move politically motivated, others argue it’s within the bounds of the law.

Justice Akpadie, a civic educator and a known supporter of the ruling party in Accra, defended the president’s action. “There’s nothing unconstitutional about it,” he told Ndiho Media. “This is what the law prescribes. If anything, Justice Torkornoo should consider stepping down voluntarily to preserve the dignity of the bench.”

The controversy has sparked protests under the #SaveTheJudiciary banner, with many accusing the president of overreaching. But for others like Akpadie, it’s simply a test of the system—and it is working.

The Supreme Court’s full judgment is expected this week.