The Progressive People’s Party (PPP) has backed President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Torkonoo, saying it is in line with the Constitution and respects due process.

In a statement released on Monday, April 28, 2025, and signed by the party’s chairman, Nana Ofori Owusu, the PPP said it believes the President acted lawfully and followed the proper procedures outlined in the 1992 Constitution.

“The suspension, as executed by the President, was lawful and in full compliance with the due process of law as enshrined in our 1992 Constitution,” the statement read.

The Progressive People’s Party (PPP) explained that the President’s suspension of the Chief Justice came after a preliminary finding of misconduct, made in consultation with the Council of State, as required by Article 146 of the Constitution.

The party noted that Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo was given the opportunity to respond to the allegations before the suspension was carried out — a step they said shows the President's respect for due process, the rule of law, and human rights.

The PPP also criticised the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) for calling for the suspension to be reversed, describing the GBA’s position as “perplexing” and harmful to democratic accountability.

“Their call for a 'suspension of the CJ’s suspension' is perplexing and could be interpreted as an attempt to suspend due process itself,” the PPP noted.

“The privileges, conditions of service, powers, and the honor bestowed upon the heads of the three arms of state necessitate that they are held to the highest standards of accountability,” the party emphasised.

The PPP referenced the 2018 removal of the Electoral Commission Chairperson and her deputies as precedent, stating that constitutional processes must be followed regardless of the position held by the individuals involved.

“In our defense of the Chief Justice, we must not lose sight of the essential requirements of accountability, due process, the rule of law, and absolute compliance with constitutional provisions.”