A group of senior legal practitioners under the banner, Lawyers in Search of Democracy (LINSOD) has thrown its weight behind President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, calling the action constitutional and accusing the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) of partisanship and inconsistency.
At a press conference held in Accra on Wednesday, 30th April 2025, president of LINSOD Mr. Eric Delanyo Alifo, Esq. praised President Mahama’s handling of the matter.
“His adherence to Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution reflects a firm commitment to due process and the rule of law.
The President acted with the advice of the Council of State, in full compliance with the Constitution
He has demonstrated respect for legal procedure and constitutional governance.”
The suspension came after three petitions were submitted by citizens, alleging misconduct and incompetence against the Chief Justice. Following a prima facie determination, a committee was set up to investigate the allegations, as mandated by the Constitution.
LINSOD sharply criticized a resolution recently issued by the GBA, which called for the revocation of the Chief Justice’s suspension.
The resolution, reportedly passed by fewer than 50 members out of over 8,000 lawyers nationwide, was described by LINSOD as “baseless,” “politically motivated,” and “procured under pressure.”
“In stark contrast to its earlier, balanced statement on April 24, the GBA has now taken a shameful U-turn,” Alifo noted. “The Bar Association must decide whether it exists to serve all lawyers or to act as a political tool of the NPP.”
The group also took the GBA to task for what it termed its historical silence during alleged constitutional violations under the previous Akufo-Addo-led government. Where thugs had invaded a courtroom in Kumasi and frightened a pregnant judge, who was shepherded out of the courtroom. A Chairperson of Electoral Commission was removed, an Auditor General was unconstitutionally removed from office, public demonstrations were stilfled by judicial processes and high-handness of security agencies. Four major traditional areas were denied of representation in Parliament for full, NPP thugs in security uniform attacked and slapped a sitting Member of Parliament. Judges were transferred in the middle of cases they were presiding, and accused person’s were denied bail for years.
In all these, the Ghana Bar Association was in deep slumber or purposefully blind and only found its voice again when another NDC government is in power.
LINSOD urged President Mahama to stay the course and continue to follow due process, undistracted by what it termed as “politically influenced resolutions.”
Story by Osman Issah Abadoo
