Public Support Grows for CJ’s Removal as Attorney General Rebuffs Legal Interference Claims

As public backing surges for the possible removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has strongly defended President John Dramani Mahama’s constitutional right to act on the petitions currently under review.

Dr. Ayine’s comments come amid calls, notably from former Attorney General Godfred Dame, for the President to halt the process pending judicial clarification. However, Dr. Ayine has made it clear that no legal barriers currently exist to suspend the constitutional proceedings.

“There is no injunction. There is no court order barring the President or the Council of State,” Dr. Ayine stated firmly in an interview, stressing that fulfilling constitutional duties cannot be put on hold due to anticipated legal outcomes.

“Dame has filed an application in court. The court is yet to make an order. So, if he says that the President must hold on, is he suggesting the court has already issued an injunction? That is not the case,” he emphasized.

Dr. Ayine noted that while he had not formally advised the President at the time, the law is unequivocal: public officers must carry out their mandates without unlawful delays or interference. “You cannot enjoin the performance of a constitutional duty or a public obligation,” he asserted.

His stance aligns with growing public sentiment, as a new poll by Global InfoAnalytics shows that a majority of Ghanaians support the ongoing constitutional processes targeting the Chief Justice. The poll, which surveyed 2,545 voters between April 7 and 16, reflects a nationwide mood in favor of accountability at the judiciary’s highest level.

Key Poll Highlights:

• 52% of voters support the Chief Justice’s removal.

• Support cuts across all education levels, with the strongest backing (57%) among those with Junior High School education.

• Regionally, Greater Accra showed the highest support at 58%, followed by Central Region (51%). Only Ahafo and Upper East registered more opposition than support.

The combination of constitutional obligation and public will appears to be shaping the direction of this high-stakes legal and political issue. As the process unfolds, Ghanaians are closely watching to see how the country balances judicial integrity, democratic accountability, and rule of law.