The controversial dismissal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo by President John Dramani Mahama on September 1, 2025, has sparked
The controversial dismissal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo by President John Dramani Mahama on September 1, 2025, has sparked strong lobbying among the top brass of the Supreme Court Justices to replace her.
The removal, carried out under Article 146(9) of the Constitution following a Committee of Inquiry’s recommendation, has not only unsettled the legal fraternity but also opened a succession battle at the apex of the judiciary.
At the heart of this unfolding story are four Supreme Court justices whose names have surfaced as possible successors to the ousted Chief Justice: Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu, Gabriel Scott Pwamang, and Emmanuel Yoni Kulendi.
The Power Vacuum And Political Overtones
Justice Torkornoo’s removal was the culmination of months of petitions, internal sabotage, inquiries, and political tension.
Her suspension earlier in April triggered a wave of legal challenges, with four separate suits filed at the Supreme Court to contest the process.
Panels presided over by Justices Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Tanko Amadu, and Yoni Kulendi consistently dismissed these challenges, further fueling accusations of institutional bias and executive overreach.
This context makes the contest to succeed her more than just a judicial appointment; it has become a test of whether the judiciary can assert its independence or whether political expediency will once again shape its leadership.
Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie
As Acting Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie is naturally seen as the frontrunner.
Appointed to the Supreme Court in 2008 by former President John Agyekum Kufuor, he has built a reputation as one of the most experienced jurists of his generation.
He was a key figure in the 2013 election petition, a case that defined Ghana’s political and legal climate in the Fourth Republic.
Baffoe-Bonnie’s long service, his administrative experience, and his recent stewardship of the court make him the candidate of continuity. However unconfirmed report suggests of fiddling with age. His brother, Kwasi Sainti Baffoe-Bonnie, was a senior presidential staffer to John Mahama during his first term in office. He died in 2021.
However, his central role in dismissing all petitions challenging Justice Torkornoo’s removal has raised concerns about whether his leadership would signal judicial independence or further entrench perceptions of executive influence.
Justice Issifu Omoro Amadu Tanko
Justice Tanko Amadu’s career embodies steady judicial progression, having served as High Court judge, Court of Appeal Justice, and finally ascending to the Supreme Court in 2020 under President Akufo-Addo.
His appointment made history as he became the first Muslim and Zongo man from Dodowa to sit on the highest court.
Tanko is known for his calm temperament and balanced reasoning.
Sources said he is using the Office the Chief Imam to lobby for him to secure the top job, the same process allegedly used to get him a place at the apex court.
Justice Tanko was said to have presided over the controversial Woyome case that enabled the NDC financier to walk away with GHC51.2million.
Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang
Unlike some of his colleagues, Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang’s reputation is rooted in his progressive views and strong advocacy for constitutionalism.
Before joining the Supreme Court, he was the General Secretary of the People’s National Convention (PNC) and respected in legal circles for his work on human rights and governance reforms.
He was at the forefront of the panel that recommended the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, making his appointment a bit problematic.
His appointment would be read as a potential case of conflict of interest. He is also a northerner, a position that will make all heads of the three arms of government coming from one geographical zone.
Justice Emmanuel Yoni Kulendi
Justice Yoni Kulendi represents a different type of candidate.
Appointed to the Supreme Court in 2020, his rise was unique because he had never served as a judge prior to his appointment.
Instead, he built his career as a prominent private legal practitioner, running Kulendi@Law, a leading law firm. He had earlier cut his legal teeth at the popular Akufo-Addo Chambers before moving to set up his own law firm.
Born in Wa in 1963, Kulendi’s story of rising from humble beginnings to becoming one of the top lawyers resonates widely.
He enjoys the support of a powerful priest close to President John Mahama. Interestingly, he is a northerner making the balance of power heavily one sided.
However, his dynamic personality and strong presence in legal and civic spaces make him an appealing choice for those seeking a younger, more outward-looking Chief Justice.
Yet, his relative inexperience on the bench compared to his rivals may be seen as a drawback.
COMMENTS