Ghana Bar Association Responds to Chief Justice Removal Proceedings

Accra, April 24, 2025 — The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has issued a formal statement addressing the ongoing legal and constitutional process for the potential removal of the Chief Justice of Ghana, whose suspension was recently announced by the President.

According to the GBA, the General Council has been attentively monitoring the developments over the past two months, as the matter continues to stir public and legal discourse. As of March 27, 2025, three petitions had been filed calling for the Chief Justice’s removal, and two cases have been brought before the Supreme Court to challenge the procedures underway, including applications to halt the process.

Citing the Constitution, the GBA referenced Article 146 (6) to (10), which outlines the process for removing a Chief Justice. This includes the formation of a five-member committee—comprised of two Supreme Court justices and three non-lawyers who are neither parliamentarians nor members of the Council of State—to investigate the petitions and recommend further action. These proceedings, as constitutionally mandated, are to be conducted in private.

The GBA emphasized its commitment to the principles of justice, judicial independence, and constitutional integrity. While recognizing the matter as sub judice, the Association expressed its hope that all involved parties will adhere to the rule of law and act within the spirit and letter of the Constitution.

“We expect that those playing even the smallest role in this process will remain mindful of Article 296, which governs the exercise of discretionary powers, and ensure their actions uphold the judiciary’s independence and public trust,” the statement read.

Reaffirming its constitutional mandate, the GBA pledged to continue acting as the conscience of society, defending justice, and safeguarding the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution.

The statement was signed by GBA National Secretary, Kwaku Gyau Baffour, and dated April 24, 2025.