Former Chief Justice Torkonoo Files Legal Action to Block Baffoe Bonnie's Chief Justice Appointment

October 17,2025

Former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo has filed a legal action seeking to halt the vetting and appointment of Justice Baffoe Bonnie as Chief Justice, according to reports emerging on October 17, 2025.

The legal move by Justice Torkonoo represents a significant challenge to the proposed appointment of Justice Baffoe Bonnie to the highest judicial office in Ghana. The action specifically seeks to stop both the parliamentary vetting process and the subsequent appointment.

According to information available, the former Chief Justice has initiated court proceedings aimed at preventing the advancement of Justice Baffoe Bonnie's nomination to the position of Chief Justice.

The legal basis for the challenge and the specific grounds on which Justice Torkonoo is contesting the appointment have not been immediately disclosed.

Justice Gertrude Torkonoo previously served as Chief Justice of Ghana, making her legal challenge particularly significant given her intimate knowledge of the judicial appointment process and constitutional requirements for the position.

Justice Baffoe Bonnie's nomination to the Chief Justice position would typically require:

• Presidential nomination
• Parliamentary vetting
• Parliamentary approval
• Presidential appointment

The legal action comes at a critical time for Ghana's judiciary, as the Chief Justice position is constitutionally mandated to lead the judicial service and serve as head of the Supreme Court.

Such challenges to judicial appointments are rare in Ghana's legal history, making this development particularly noteworthy for the country's constitutional and legal landscape.

The matter is expected to be heard in court, where Justice Torkonoo will present her arguments for why the vetting and appointment process should be stopped.

The outcome of this legal action could have far-reaching implications for judicial appointments in Ghana and may set precedents for future challenges to high-level judicial nominations.

This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available about the grounds of the legal challenge and the court's response.