Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has accused Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie of being part of an alleged “grand conspiracy” that led to the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. Mr Afenyo-Markin, who has consistently challenged the circumstances surrounding Justice Torkornoo’s removal, alleged that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie had an interest in the process because of his ambition to become Chief Justice. “My Lord Baffoe-Bonnie was part of the grand conspiracy against her predecessor, Gertrude Torkornoo,” he alleged, insisting that the motive was connected to the eventual succession of the Chief Justice.
While speaking on Atinka Tv, he also claimed that some members of the Supreme Court were involved in the events that preceded Justice Torkornoo’s removal, suggesting that details of what transpired would emerge with time. “He knows, I know, the Supreme Court judges are—you know—who conspired against their colleague. But one day, the true story will be told,” Mr Afenyo-Markin said. The Effutu Member of Parliament renewed his demand for the reinstatement of Justice Torkornoo, arguing that her removal should be reconsidered. “I don’t see why that woman will not be reinstated. She has to be reinstated,” he said. Meanwhile, Justice Torkornoo was removed from office in September 2025 following proceedings under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
The process followed petitions alleging misconduct against her and involved a committee of inquiry chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang. Her removal subsequently became a major political and constitutional controversy, with the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) repeatedly questioning the fairness and conduct of the proceedings. The NPP has accused the government of undermining judicial independence, while the government has maintained that Justice Torkornoo’s removal followed the constitutional procedure provided for dealing with allegations against a superior court judge.
Mr Afenyo-Markin has been particularly critical of the committee’s work, describing the proceedings as a “travesty of justice”. He has also questioned the manner in which multiple petitions against the former Chief Justice were handled, arguing that the procedural issues surrounding the inquiry require closer scrutiny. His latest allegations revive the political dispute over the process at a time when Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, who subsequently succeeded Justice Torkornoo, is serving as head of Ghana’s Judiciary. During the parliamentary vetting of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie in November 2025, Mr Afenyo-Markin raised questions about aspects of the proceedings that culminated in Justice Torkornoo’s removal and challenged elements of the process.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie was later approved by Parliament and assumed office as Chief Justice despite opposition from the Minority. Mr Afenyo-Markin’s latest claims remain allegations and have not, in themselves, established that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie or any Supreme Court judge conspired to remove Justice Torkornoo. The allegations nevertheless add to the continuing political and institutional debate over the circumstances of the former Chief Justice’s removal and its implications for judicial independence.
By: Joyce Owusu
