A legal academic at the University of Ghana has moved to ease public anxiety over the impact of the Chief Justice’s suspension, assuring Ghanaians that the judicial system remains robust and operational.

Associate Professor Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua of the University of Ghana School of Law made the remarks in an interview on Eyewitness News, following the recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.

The Chief Justice was suspended on April 22, 2025, by President John Dramani Mahama after a prima facie case was established from three separate petitions that called for her removal. The decision has since stirred debate across the legal and political landscape.

However, Prof. Appiagyei-Atua downplayed fears that this development would hinder judicial operations.

“I’m not sure that justice delivery will be affected so much because the constitution makes room for somebody to stand in for the Chief Justice when a such situation arises. So we have the most senior Supreme Court judge will stand in during the period until the matter is resolved,” he said, highlighting constitutional mechanisms that ensure continuity in leadership at the highest level of the judiciary.

He further clarified that cases previously presided over by Justice Torkornoo would be managed under the supervision of the Acting Chief Justice.

Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, the most senior Justice on the Supreme Court bench, has stepped into the role of Acting Chief Justice. His appointment complies with Article 144(6) of the 1992 Constitution, which outlines succession procedures in instances where the Chief Justice is unable to perform her duties.

“So we have the most senior Supreme Court judge [who] will stand in during the period until the matter is resolved,”Prof. Appiagyei-Atua reiterated, reinforcing that the judiciary’s work remains uninterrupted.