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Tafo MP Wants CJ’s Removal Process Halted

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Justice Gertrude Torkornoo

A legal storm is brewing at the Supreme Court, as the Member of Parliament for Old Tafo in the Ashanti Region, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has filed a fresh suit seeking to halt the ongoing processes for the removal of the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

MP for Old Tafo Vincent Ekow Assafuah

The suit, filed under number J1/18/2025 and dated April 24, 2025 targets the Attorney-General as the defendant and centres on a controversial petition process initiated by President John Dramani Mahama.

In an application for an interlocutory injunction filed through his solicitors, Dame and Partners, Mr Assafuah is praying the apex court to restrain any action or process under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution related to the removal of the Chief Justice.

Specifically, the applicant/petitioner seeks an order to suspend the execution of the President’s warrant purporting to suspend the Chief Justice, pending the final determination of the substantive case.

Mr. Assafuah contends that the President’s failure to notify the Chief Justice and obtain her responses before triggering consultations with the Council of State violates Article 146(6) of the Constitution, which outlines the procedure for removing a justice of the superior courts.

According to him, this procedural lapse undermines judicial independence and breaches the Chief Justice’s right to a fair hearing, as guaranteed under Articles 23 and 296 of the Constitution.

Exhibit “A” attached to the motion is the said press release. Further exhibits include correspondence between the President and the Chief Justice and statements by presidential appointees allegedly affirming a predetermined outcome of the petition process.

The plaintiff, therefore, accuses the President and the Council of State of orchestrating a “charade” to oust the Chief Justice unlawfully, citing previous public criticisms made by the President against the Judiciary.

Mr. Assafuah argues that such conduct constitutes a “grave assault” on judicial independence and violates the constitutional safeguards surrounding the tenure of office.

Mr. Assafuah’s legal team argues that allowing the removal proceedings to continue while the case is pending would cause irreparable harm to the constitutional order and the public’s trust in the judiciary.

Despite the pending court process, the President, on April 22, 2025, issued a press release announcing that a prima facie case had been established against the Chief Justice, based on three petitions.

The statement also revealed the formation of a five-member committee to investigate the allegations and the Chief Justice’s immediate suspension.

The case is expected to be heard on May 6, 2025.

Minority Condemns Prez’s ‘Brazen Judicial Coup’

By
JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, Minority leader

The Minority in parliament has described the decision by President John Dramani Mahama to suspend Her Ladyship Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo as a brazen judicial coup.

Per the New Patriotic Party (NPP) minority, this decision, which was done under the purported authority of Article 146 of the 1992 constitution is a “reckless abuse of executive power and a direct assault on the independence of Ghana’s Judiciary.”

They bemoaned that the move taken while legitimate legal challenges are pending before the Supreme Court reeks of intolerable political vendetta, Judicial intimidation and a calculated attempt to pack the courts with National Democratic Congress (NDC) sympathetic justices.

Below is the full statement;

The decision by President John Dramani Mahama to suspend Her Ladyship Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, under the purported authority of Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution is nothing short of a brazen judicial coup, a reckless abuse of Executive power and a direct assault on the independence of Ghana’s Judiciary.

This move, taken while legitimate legal challenges are pending before the Supreme Court, reeks of intolerable political vendetta, judicial intimidation and a calculated attempt to pack the courts with NDC-sympathetic justices – as openly promised by President Mahama in Akosombo in 2023.

  1. A CLEAR VIOLATION OF DUE PROCESS & PENDING JUDICIAL REVIEW

It is an unpardonable affront to the rule of law that the President has, in consultation with the Council of State, proceeded to suspend the Chief Justice while the Supreme Court is yet to rule on the constitutionality of the very process being used against her.

This is judicial overreach of the highest order, a textbook case of executive interference, and a dangerous precedent reminiscent of the dark days of President Kwame Nkrumah’s removal of Chief Justice Sir Arku Korsah in 1963, for making judicial decisions the President did not like.

The Minority in Parliament is absolutely right in condemning this unlawful suspension, and we, as lawmakers committed to justice, constitutionalism, and the sanctity of the judiciary, unequivocally demand the immediate reversal of this unconstitutional act.

  1. A POLITICALLY MOTIVATED WITCH-HUNT TO CONTROL THE JUDICIARY

President Mahama’s actions confirm what many have long suspected – that this is not about accountability, but about raw political control. His public declaration in Akosombo that he intends to, in effect, balance the judiciary by appointing NDC-aligned judges exposes the ulterior motive behind this sudden rush to remove the Chief Justice.

This is neither good governance nor credible attempt to “reset” of the judicial – it is tyranny. If the President believes he can strong-arm the judiciary into submission, he must be reminded that Ghana is a constitutional democracy, not a fiefdom. The people of Ghana will not tolerate the subversion of judicial independence for partisan gain.

  1. A WARNING TO THE MAHAMA ADMINISTRATION: WE WILL RESIST THIS JUDICIAL COUP

Let this statement serve as unequivocal notice to President Mahama and his administration:

  • Any further attempts to harass, intimidate, or unlawfully remove the Chief Justice will be met with fierce legal and public resistance.
  • Any effort to pack the judiciary with politically compliant judges will be challenged to the fullest extent of the law.
  • The legal fraternity, civil society, and all defenders of democracy will not stand idly by while the judiciary is turned into an appendage of the Executive.
  1. CALL TO ACTION: UPHOLD THE CONSTITUTION & DEFEND JUDICIAL

INDEPENDENCE

We demand:

  1. The immediate reinstatement of the Chief Justice pending the Supreme Court’s

determination of the pending legal challenges.

  1. A halt to all removal proceedings until the judiciary has conclusively ruled on the

constitutionality of the process.

The integrity of Ghana’s judiciary is non-negotiable. We shall vigorously oppose any and all attempts to turn our courts into political tools.

Enough is enough.

 

CJ suspension: CDM says Ghana may be breaching international judicial norms

By
admin
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Justice Gertrude Torkornoo

The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) says Ghana risks breaching international legal obligations following the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

According to the group, the decision not only defies domestic constitutional procedures, but also contradicts international commitments.

In its statement, CDM cited Article 26 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the UN Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary as frameworks violated by the current process.

“Ghana is obligated to ensure judicial independence free from Executive interference. This suspension clearly contravenes that obligation,” the Centre argued.

The group further contended that the investigative process lacks transparency and fairness, calling for the involvement of international bodies.

It urged oversight from institutions such as the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers.

“This moment demands vigilance, not silence,” CDM stressed. “Ghana’s democratic future cannot be bartered for political gain.”

The Centre added that it would engage with diplomatic missions and human rights bodies to ensure accountability and adherence to international standards.

To restore integrity, CDM is advocating for not only a reversal of the suspension but also broader reforms to shield the judiciary from political manipulation.

“We must reaffirm judicial independence as a foundational pillar of the Republic,” the group stated.

Ag CJ gives new directive on case allocation 

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Acting Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie

A new directive from the Office of the Acting Honourable Chief Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie has centralised the assignment and scheduling of newly filed cases and applications across the nation’s highest courts.

According to a notice issued by the Deputy Judicial Secretary, Dr. Cyracus B. Bapuuroh, all cases and applications filed at the High Courts, Courts of Appeal and the Supreme Court must now be presented directly to the Acting Chief Justice for review.

The directive also covers the empaneling of judges in jurisdictions where there is more than one court, as well as the fixing of hearing dates.

“This directive supersedes all previous directives until further notice,” the Deputy Judicial Secretary stated in the communication dated April 23, 2025.

Judicial officers and Registrars have been urged to comply with the new procedure, which is aimed at enhancing consistency and oversight in the management of the court docket.

The Acting Honourable Chief Justice extended his compliments to all court officers and reminded them of the importance of adhering to the updated process.

GJA wants OSP to stop harassing Gordon Asare Bediako

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admin
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Mr Gordon Asare Bediako

The President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, says lawyers of the association have been directed to file court processes to stop the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) from harassing one of its members – Gordon Asare Bediako.

Speaking at a news conference in Accra on Wednesday, this week, Mr Dwumfuor said “we have directed our lawyers to file an application for an injunction to restrain the OSP from engaging in any further acts of harassment or undue interference with Asare-Bediako.

We remain committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served within the boundaries of legal authority. The Special Prosecutor must focus on his mandate as Special Prosecutor and not deviate from it to become ‘Special Persecutor.”

On April 2, 2025 around 1 O’clock in the afternoon, Mr Asare-Bediako, who is the Managing Editor of ABC News had a call from someone, who identified himself as an Officer of the OSP, and that he was at Wontumi Radio 95.9 and Movement TV to have a conversation with him.

Gordon Asare-Bediako went to the OSP premises on his own volition around 2pm, with the understanding that they were going to have a conversation, since that wasn’t the first time that as a journalist, he was having an informal conversation with security officials and Capos.

He was thus referred to a statement he made on Movement TV, where he hosts the morning show about two weeks earlier, to the effect that the OSP had at a point in time requested from government a private jet to facilitate his operations, since he was a higher risk personality, which the journalist confirmed making such a statement on air, based on his sources within the then government.

The Special Prosecutor claimed he was impugning corruption on the OSP, which he vehemently disagreed. His refusal to mention his source was interpreted to mean that he was not cooperating with the investigations. He was then officially put under arrest and his rights read to him.

He was subsequently put on a GHC5m bail bond with 2 sureties. He has since been reporting to the OSP.

GBA calls for adherence to Rule of Law in Chief Justice removal process

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Ghana Bar Association

The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has issued a formal statement urging all actors involved in the ongoing process for the removal of the Chief Justice to uphold the rule of law and safeguard the independence of the Judiciary.

The statement, signed by National President, Mrs. Efua Ghartey and National Secretary, Mr. Kwaku Gyau Baffour, follows the suspension of the Chief Justice by President John Dramani Mahama, amid a growing controversy surrounding her removal from office.

According to the GBA, its General Council has been monitoring developments closely over the past two months.

As of March 27, 2025, three petitions had been filed seeking the Chief Justice’s removal, while two legal challenges had been initiated at the Supreme Court, questioning the legality of the process.

Applications for injunctions against the proceedings have also been submitted.

Citing Articles 146(6) to (10) of the 1992 Constitution, the GBA reiterated that any removal of the Chief Justice must follow the laid-down constitutional process.

Mahama promises to fix Nkawkaw-Obomeng road

By
ISAAC AKWETEY-OKUNOR
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President John Dramani Mahama receiving a citation from the chief of Kwahu Obomeng Nana Effah Opinamang III during his visit to the palace on Saturday

President John Dramani Mahama has promised the chief of Kwahu Obomeng, Nana Effah Opinamang III, of government’s readiness to construct the Nkawkaw-Obomeng road.

In his effort to convince the chief, President Mahama recalled that his first administration witnessed massive infrastructure development across all sectors of the economy, including the construction of the Nkawkaw-Atibie road.

The President expressed optimism that his government would support initiatives promoting economic development, particularly infrastructural projects like the Nkawkaw-Obomeng road, as well as prioritising policies that could unlock the region’s economic potential and support local businesses.

President Mahama commended the Kwahu people for their entrepreneurial spirit, noting their significant contributions to Ghana’s socio-economic growth.

The Chief of Kwahu Obomeng, Nana Effah Opinamang III, commended President Mahama for instituting development initiatives that benefit the nation, especially the Kwahu Business Forum, a non-partisan national development agenda that brings industry players together to network, share experiences and explore opportunities.

The Chief highlighted the potential benefits of the forum, including job creation, improved living standards, increased productivity and convenience for citizens.

 

Asuogyman MP advises youth to shy away from ‘dependency and entitlement’ mentality

By
ISAAC AKWETEY-OKUNOR
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The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Asuogyaman Constituency in the Eastern Region Hon. Thomas Nyarko Ampem (in red ) in a group photograph with the young men and women after the presentation

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Asuogyaman, in the Eastern Region, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has appealed to his constituents, particularly the youth, to shy away from ‘dependency and entitlement’ mentality and rather cultivate the spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation and self-reliance.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Asuogyaman Constituency in the Eastern Region Hon. Thomas Nyarko Ampem addressing the youth

According to him, true economic freedom begins with a shift in mentality, where individuals take personal responsibility for their financial growth by looking for opportunities and also acquiring skills.

According to the MP, the adoption this new mind-set is crucial not only for personal advancement, but also for the overall development of Asuogyaman.

He made the call when he enrolled 30 young men and women from Boso Gua Traditional Area into the flagship skill development programme under the Thomas Ampem Nyarko Skills Development and Youth Empowerment Programme (TANSDYEP).

The beneficiaries will receive training in dressmaking, hairdressing, plumbing, and carpentry – empowering them with practical skills for self-reliance and employment.

The short but impressive enrolment ceremony forms part of Thomas Nyarko Ampem’s ‘Thank You tour’ of the constituency to express his gratitude and as well intensify efforts to strengthen ties with traditional authorities.

At the Boso Traditional Area, the MP joined the chiefs and people of the area to celebrate their annual Fintey festival where he donated GH₵5,000 to support the event and announced plans to complete the community’s clinic, which was abandoned by the previous administration.

He further pledged to initiate additional developmental projects aimed at improving living standards in the area.

The MP who is also the Deputy Minister for Finance visited other towns and villages such as   Nkwakubew, New Dodi, Labolabo, Asikuma, Kudikofe, Wulahai, Mpamproase, and Apaaso.

Cross-section of some constituents in the Asuogyaman constituency listening to the MP during his thank you tour

In a related development, the Deputy Minister of Finance has presented start-up equipment and seed capital to 22 young men and women who underwent training in dressmaking, hairdressing, welding, electrical work, mechanical repairs, and makeup artistry.

Sixteen of them received sewing and hairdryer machines along with GH¢500 each, while those in technical trades were given GH¢1,500 each to support their entrepreneurial ventures.

Some of the beneficiaries, who had dropped out of school due to financial hardships, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the MP for offering them a second chance to have a decent life.

 

The apprentices praised the initiative, noting its potential to reduce youth unemployment and curb deviant behaviour.

Addressing the gathering, the MP reaffirmed President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises despite the economic challenges inherited by the current administration, particularly the heavy debt burden.

“You all bear witness that in this short time President Mahama assumed power, he has already started fulfilling his promises. Despite the tough economic conditions, including various debts, the President is committed to building a better Ghana.”

He cited the removal of E-levy and Betting tax, as well as budget allocations for the National Apprenticeship Program and the One Million Coders initiative, as proof of the government’s resolve to deliver on its pledges.

Historic: 400-Meter Vessel berths at MPS Terminal 3

By
admin
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0
Goods being offloaded from the vessel

 In a landmark moment for maritime trade in West Africa, the Meridian Port Services (MPS)  Terminal 3 at the Port of Tema has successfully received one of the world’s largest container ships, the 400-meter-long – the size of four football fields, MSC DILETTA.

Arriving on the morning of Sunday, April 20, 2025, from Vizhinjam, India, this historic call marks a significant step forward in positioning Tema as a major transshipment and trade hub along the West African coast.

The vessel approaching the Quay

Measuring 400 metres in length overall, with a gross tonnage of 228,786 and a beam of 61 metres, MSC DILETTA, now holds the record as the largest ship ever received by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).

With a draft of 16 meters and a beam of 61 meters, the MSC DILETTA is the largest vessel ever to berth in Sub-Saharan Africa. Its arrival underscores the advanced infrastructure and capacity of MPS Terminal 3, purpose-built to accommodate vessels of this scale. The vessel was guided safely into berth with pilotage support from a highly skilled team of marine pilots.

By deploying vessels of this magnitude, MSC affirms its commitment to economic development of the sub-region and consolidates its role as a leading logistics partner in Africa. This strategic initiative embodies a clear vision: to connect Africa to the rest of the world through MSC’s extensive maritime and terrestrial network, which enables the provision of door-to-door solutions, ensuring smooth and efficient logistics across the continent.

“This is a turning point for West African trade infrastructure,” said Garmy Sy, Managing Director of MSC Ghana adding, “the arrival of 24,000 TEU vessels signals our readiness to scale operations, enhance intra-African and global connectivity, and meet the continent’s growing demand with efficiency and sustainability at the core.”

The MSC DILETTA operates on the Africa Express Service, a dedicated maritime service operated by MSC that links major ports in Asia and West Africa. Since its inception, the service has steadily optimised transit times and expanded its port network.

The vessel berthed at the Tema Port

MPS Terminal 3 is the first port of call on this service, delivering faster turnaround and direct connections between Ghana, the Far East, and Southeast Asia. Prior to docking in Tema, the MSC DILETTA made port calls in Shanghai, Nansha, Shekou, Vungtau, Singapore, and Vizhinjam International Seaport. It completed the voyage to Tema in just 17 days, surpassing the typical 21-day transit time from Asia, a notable achievement in shipping efficiency.

This development aligns closely with the ambitions of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), providing critical infrastructure to support intra-African trade and broader economic integration. The arrival of MSC DILETTA is more than a milestone; it is a signal of West Africa’s growing stature in global maritime trade.

In a remarkable feat of maritime expertise, Ghana’s Marine Pilots have successfully berthed one of the world’s largest container vessels at Tema Port, marking a historic milestone in the country’s port operations and reinforcing Tema Port’s position as a premier shipping hub in West Africa, capable of handling some of the largest vessels in global trade.

 

Consultant Arraigned over Alleged Visa Scam Involving 27 Victims

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Court

A 35-year-old Consultant with Tilly’s World of Possibilities Consultancy, Daniel Okpoti Okerchiri, has been put before the Dansoman Circuit Court for allegedly defrauding 27 individuals, under the pretext of securing Canadian visas for them.

Presided over by Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit, the court remanded Okerchiri into police custody on Monday, pending further investigations. The case has been adjourned to May 12, 2025.

Okerchiri is facing two counts: conspiracy to commit crime, namely defrauding by false pretence, and defrauding by false pretence – both in contravention of sections 23(1) and 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

According to the prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Kwadwo Aboagye, the complainant, Abraham Nii Okai Reindorf, a trader, got involved with Okerchiri in June 2023 after hearing from a friend in Canada about job opportunities abroad. Reindorf was introduced to Okerchiri and a woman identified only as Thelma, now at large, who was said to be the owner of the consultancy.

Thelma and Okerchiri allegedly assured Reindorf that they could help secure Canadian visas. Trusting this representation, Reindorf mobilized 27 individuals and collected various amounts of money from them, totalling GH¢159,000 and US$7,900, which he handed over to the accused and his alleged accomplices.

After receiving the funds, Okerchiri reportedly failed to deliver on the promise and went into hiding. The complainant filed a report with the police on January 26, 2025. Okerchiri was subsequently lured from his hideout and arrested.

During investigations, the accused is said to have admitted to the offense and implicated a third accomplice, Adama Alifa, also at large, as the person who ultimately received the funds. Okerchiri has made a partial refund of GH¢14,600 and US$400.The court was told that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the other suspects for prosecution.

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