The legal and political landscape in Ghana has been significantly stirred by the actions of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, who has launched a series of legal challenges following her removal from office. Her decision to contest the process, rather than accept it quietly, has sparked wide-ranging debate among legal experts and political commentators, highlighting crucial aspects of Ghana’s constitutional and democratic development.

Justice Torkonoo's legal actions include a new suit filed on October 16, 2025, seeking to halt the vetting and subsequent appointment of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the next Chief Justice, a nomination made by President John Mahama. She has also applied to the High Court to quash all proceedings of the Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang Committee, which was established under Article 146 of the Constitution to investigate petitions for her removal. Furthermore, the former Chief Justice is suing the government over what she claims is the unlawful withholding of her salary and entitlements after her tenure formally ended on September 1, 2025.

These moves have garnered both strong commendation and sharp criticism. Oliver Barker-Vormawor, Constitutional Rights and Policy Strategy Advisor at the Democracy Hub, described Justice Torkonoo’s actions as “commendable” and vital for Ghana’s democracy. He emphasized her courage in challenging the process in court, raising important legal questions about the powers of administrative bodies like the Pwamang Committee and the legality of appointing a new Chief Justice while the matter remains sub judice. Mr. Barker-Vormawor urged sober reflection and a fair, impartial hearing for Justice Torkonoo.

Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), also lauded Justice Torkonoo’s resilience, viewing her fight as a means to strengthen Ghana’s legal system. He noted that her legal team includes respected figures like former Attorney General Ayikoi Otoo. Drawing parallels to the 2012 election petition, which, despite the outcome, led to significant improvements in Ghana’s electoral framework, Mr. Braimah argued that Justice Torkonoo’s perseverance should be respected, especially given her deep understanding of the law. He acknowledged that his own understanding of issues like travel allowances evolved after reviewing Article 71 of the Constitution, which outlines how emoluments for certain public office holders are determined.

Woyoe Ghanamannti Esq., a former Convention People’s Party (CPP) running mate, strongly defended Justice Torkonoo, criticizing the description of her as a “crybaby” as disrespectful to the judiciary and diminishing constitutional equality. Speaking on Prime Insight on Saturday, October 18, 2025, he countered that such remarks could equally label President Mahama a “bully.” Ghanamannti asserted that the President is not a demigod and warned against elevating the office above constitutional scrutiny, reminding all that sovereignty rests with the people as per Article 1 of the Constitution. He stressed that Justice Torkonoo is acting within her constitutional rights under Article 33 and Order 55 by seeking judicial review.

Counsel to former President Nana Akufo-Addo, Kow Essuman, echoed concerns about the process, describing it as “extremely unfair and unconstitutional.” He highlighted that the Attorney General’s Department, despite being a defendant, has not yet filed its statement of case in Justice Torkonoo’s Supreme Court matters, effectively delaying proceedings.

Conversely, Prof Sharif Mahmud Khalid, Economic Advisor to the Vice President, criticized Justice Torkonoo’s legal actions, labelling them a “ridiculous bucket list” that undermine the dignity of the Chief Justice’s office. Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 18, Prof. Khalid accused her of overplaying her hand and stressed that public officials must preserve the integrity of their former positions. He defended President John Mahama’s decision to remove her, stating it followed due constitutional process involving the Council of State, and claimed Justice Torkonoo enjoyed full privileges throughout the removal process. Similarly, Abraham Amaliba, former Director of Legal Affairs of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), called Justice Torkonoo a “crybaby,” arguing her repeated legal actions were merely tactics to stall proceedings. He considered the matter closed since the Pwamang Committee had concluded its work.

Meanwhile, other critical governance issues are unfolding in Ghana, as discussed on Newsfile. The NSS “ghost names” scandal has escalated, with former Executive Director Osei Assibey Antwi and then-Deputy Gifty Oware-Mensah facing criminal charges for alleged fraud amounting to GH¢653 million involving fictitious service personnel. Separately, the Accra High Court denied former NSB boss Kwabena Adu-Boahene’s motion to suspend his trial in the ORAL agenda’s NSB scandal, and charges against co-accused Mildred Donkor were withdrawn as she becomes a prosecution witness in a GH¢49 million cyber-software contract case. In the political sphere, Alan John Kyerematen’s Movement for Change has rebranded as the United Party (UP Plus), aiming to break from the status quo and offer a credible third option by 2040. The party faces resistance, with analysts questioning its ability to endure Ghana’s entrenched two-party politics and some NPP members threatening legal action over the name choice.