The Attorney-General (A-G), Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has responded to the petition filed by suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkonoo, seeking to halt proceedings for her removal from office.
Madam Torkornoo’s application to the Supreme Court aims to restrain the President’s committee investigating the petitions.
In the suit filed on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, she requests an interlocutory injunction to pause the committee’s proceedings pending the final determination of the case.
Additionally, she seeks to bar Justices Pwamang and Adibu-Asiedu from presiding over or participating in the committee’s deliberations. She also wants the hearing to be public instead of being in-camera.
In a response filed at the Supreme Court by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice on Monday, May 26, 2025, Dr. Ayine argued that the in-camera hearing is a constitutional requirement aimed at protecting not only the Chief Justice but the entire judiciary, and therefore cannot be waived.
Additionally, the AG asserts that there is no legal basis for restraining the two Supreme Court judges from participating in the petition probe.
Dr. Ayine explained that Justice Samuel Adibu Asiedu did not participate in the injunction hearing and therefore cannot be precluded.
He added that Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang’s participation in cases brought before the court by one of the petitioners does not constitute evidence of bias, as claimed by the Chief Justice in her petition.
The A-G further asserts that members of the committee have taken the necessary oath of office, contrary to the Chief Justice’s claims, and concludes that a case for an injunction has not been made.
The A-G’s full response can be accessed here.
Suspended Chief Justice claims she was subjected to mental torture at committee hearing
