Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has alleged that Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie played a role in what he described as a “grand conspiracy” that led to the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
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 the former Chief Justice and was conducted by a committee of inquiry chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang.
According to Mr Afenyo-Markin, the alleged plot against Justice Torkornoo was partly driven by Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s interest in succeeding her as Chief Justice.
“My Lord Baffoe-Bonnie was part of the grand conspiracy against her predecessor, Gertrude Torkornoo,” he alleged.
“It was a grand conspiracy. Because he wants to be the Chief Justice. Obviously. Why? Why should I deny that?”
The Effutu MP made the allegations while discussing the circumstances surrounding Justice Torkornoo’s removal and Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s subsequent appointment to the country’s highest judicial office.
He further claimed that some members of the Supreme Court were involved in the events surrounding the former Chief Justice’s removal.
Mr Afenyo-Markin said he believed the full details of what transpired would eventually emerge.
“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,” he said.
Afenyo-Markin Calls for Torkornoo’s Reinstatement
The Minority Leader also repeated his demand for the reinstatement of Justice Torkornoo, whose removal continues to generate political and legal debate.
“I don’t see why that woman will not be reinstated. She has to be reinstated,” he said.
He made the comments during an interview on Atinka TV.
Mr Afenyo-Markin has previously criticised the proceedings that resulted in Justice Torkornoo’s removal, describing the process as a “travesty of justice”.
During the parliamentary vetting of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie for the position of Chief Justice in November 2025, the Minority Leader raised questions about the petitions filed against Justice Torkornoo and how the inquiry was conducted.
He has maintained that certain procedural aspects of the process deserve further examination, particularly the handling of the multiple petitions that triggered the proceedings.
Political Dispute Over Torkornoo’s Removal
Justice Torkornoo’s removal has become a major source of disagreement between the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The NPP has accused the government of interfering with judicial independence through the removal of the former Chief Justice.
The government, however, has defended the process, insisting that the removal was carried out in accordance with the constitutional procedures under Article 146.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie was subsequently approved by Parliament and appointed Chief Justice, despite opposition from the Minority.
Mr Afenyo-Markin continues to maintain that Justice Torkornoo should be reinstated and that the circumstances surrounding her removal require further scrutiny.
