‘You can’t tell us what to do’

Social media users have disagreed with the calls by the Commonwealth Lawyers Association and the Bar Council of England and Wales for President John Dramani Mahama to rescind his suspension of the Chief Justice of Ghana, Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkornoo.

According to those who have reacted to the call, Ghana is a sovereign state and cannot be “ordered” to act by external actors.

Government ‘schools’ UK Bar Council, Commonwealth lawyers on Ghana laws over demand for Torkornoo’s reinstatement

In a joint statement issued on August 14, 2025, the lawyers, while noting some issues surrounding the ongoing removal proceedings against the Chief Justice, made key demands, including a fair and transparent process in the ongoing impeachment proceedings.

“Immediately and without delay, reinstate the Chief Justice of Ghana to her Office, consistent with both the hitherto strong attachment to the rule of law demonstrated by Ghana and also the constitutional duties incumbent upon them; and

“Afford the Chief Justice due and fair process in the investigation and determination of the disciplinary matters brought against her, including (but not limited to) full and transparent access to that process by her legal representatives,” the statement said.

But many online users have been reacting to this statement.

A user on X, Linda Awuni, wrote, “Ghana is not a colony. Our constitution allows suspension pending investigation to protect the integrity of our judiciary. External pressure for reinstatement before the process ends is a disrespect to our sovereignty. The Law is THE LAW. Let the law work!”

Background

On April 22, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office following the establishment of a prima facie case based on three undisclosed petitions alleging misconduct and incompetence.

Under Article 146(6) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, the president, after consulting the Council of State, may suspend a Supreme Court justice if a prima facie case is established and appoint a committee to investigate.

This led President Mahama to constitute a five-member inquiry panel, chaired by Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, with other members: Justice Samuel Adibu-Asiedu, former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Major Flora Bazaanura Dalugo, and Professor James Sefah-Dzisah.

Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, the most senior Supreme Court judge, was appointed Acting Chief Justice during the investigation process.

Since then, Chief Justice Torkornoo has publicly defended herself, characterising the suspension and removal proceedings as “arbitrary,” “cruel,” and unconstitutional.

She has further refused to resign, emphasising that doing so would amount to submitting to a flawed process and forfeiting her right to defend herself.

See more of such comments below:

‘Immediately reinstate Chief Justice’ – UK Bar Council, Commonwealth Lawyers ‘orders’ Mahama

Another user wrote, “The Bar Council of England? Lmao…The same country that depends on America for relevance now has the gall to dictate to others? The arrogance is unbelievable! If Mahama lets himself be swayed by this trap, his political obituary will be written long before 2028.”

SSD