A collective of prominent Ghanaian legal professionals, operating under the name Lawyers in Search of Democracy(LINSOD), has thrown its weight behind President John Dramani Mahama’s controversial decision to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. The group hailed the action as constitutional and lawful, while sharply criticizing the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) for what it called partisan inconsistency.
LINSOD Applauds Mahama’s Commitment to Due Process
At a press conference in Accra on April 30, 2025, LINSOD’s president, Mr. Eric Delanyo Alifo, Esq., commended President Mahama for adhering strictly to the constitutional provisions under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
“The President’s actions were taken upon the advice of the Council of State, ensuring full compliance with constitutional mandates and showcasing his respect for legal procedures and governance,” Alifo stated.
The suspension of Chief Justice Torkornoo follows the submission of three citizen petitions alleging misconduct and incompetence, triggering the formation of a committee to investigate the claims — as mandated by the Constitution.
GBA’s Resolution Labelled ‘Baseless and Politically Motivated’
LINSOD did not mince words in criticizing the GBA’s recent resolution, which called for the revocation of the Chief Justice’s suspension. According to Alifo, the resolution was:
- “Baseless”
- “Politically motivated”
- “Procured under pressure”
Alifo further revealed that the controversial resolution was reportedly passed by fewer than 50 lawyers out of an association of over 8,000 members — raising serious questions about its legitimacy.
“We urge the GBA to clarify whether it serves the interests of all lawyers or acts as a political instrument for the NPP,” Alifo charged.
GBA Accused of Double Standards and Historical Silence
In a sweeping critique, LINSOD catalogued a series of past constitutional violations that the GBA allegedly ignored during the previous Akufo-Addo administration:
- Courtrooms disrupted by thugs in Kumasi, endangering a pregnant judge
- The removal of the Electoral Commission Chairperson and Auditor General
- Suppression of public protests through force and judicial interventions
- Denial of parliamentary representation to four traditional regions
- Physical assault on sitting MPs by NPP operatives dressed as security personnel
- Judges reassigned mid-trial and defendants denied bail for extended periods
“Throughout these events, the GBA appeared inactive or deliberately oblivious, only raising its voice when an NDC government is in power,” Alifo said.
LINSOD Urges Mahama to Stand Firm
The lawyers’ collective called on President Mahama to “remain steadfast” and “adhere to due process”, warning him not to be swayed by what they described as politically motivated resolutions.
“We urge His Excellency the President not to be deterred by partisan attacks disguised as legal opinion. The Constitution must reign supreme,” Alifo concluded.
As the controversy deepens, the nation’s legal and