Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has alleged that Ghana’s Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, was involved in a “grand conspiracy” to remove his predecessor, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, from office.
Speaking on Atinka TV on Monday, 17 August 2026, Mr Afenyo-Markin claimed the petition that began the process against Justice Torkornoo was part of a wider campaign to force her out of the top judicial role.
He also argued that the procedure for her removal had not been properly completed.
“It was a grand conspiracy. I have said so, and I have not minced words on that. My Lord Baffoe-Bonnie was part of the grand conspiracy against his predecessor, Gertrude Torkornoo,” he said.
Mr Afenyo-Markin further alleged that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie and other Supreme Court judges who were opposed to Justice Torkornoo had personal interests in the leadership of Ghana’s Judiciary.
He did not provide further details of the interests he referred to, but maintained that Justice Torkornoo’s removal was the result of a coordinated effort rather than a properly concluded constitutional process.
Possible reinstatement
The Minority Leader also suggested that Justice Torkornoo could return to the position of Chief Justice if the New Patriotic Party (NPP) regained political power.
“If the NPP comes to power, I don’t know why she won’t be reinstated. Of course, she will be reinstated,” he said.
Justice Torkornoo became Chief Justice in June 2023. She was removed from office in September 2025, making her the first Chief Justice of Ghana’s Fourth Republic to be removed in that manner.
Her removal followed a petition submitted to President John Dramani Mahama. That led to a process conducted under Article 146 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which sets out the procedure for removing superior court judges.
Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie was subsequently approved by Parliament as Justice Torkornoo’s successor. His approval took place despite objections from the Minority.
Mr Afenyo-Markin’s comments place the conduct of senior members of the Judiciary at the centre of the political debate surrounding Justice Torkornoo’s departure. His allegation specifically names the current Chief Justice as having been involved in the process against his predecessor, while also questioning whether the constitutional requirements for her removal were fully met.