On May 3, 2025, during a KeyPoints program on TV3, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, the leader of the Fix The Country Movement and an active member of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), urged the GBA to convene a special general assembly. The purpose? To overturn the Association’s recent resolution that challenges President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo.
Barker-Vormawor criticized the resolution, calling it politically motivated and a threat to the independence of the judiciary. He described the resolution as “an appeal cloaked in impropriety,” lacking legal foundation, and warned it could be perceived as an attack on judicial autonomy both locally and internationally. “History will not forgive us if we let this slide,” he emphasized, urging quick action from members to counter what he sees as a reckless decision.
He stressed that the interpretation of the constitution should be rooted in legal doctrine rather than political motivations, accusing the GBA of politicizing a legal matter. He also argued that the language used in the resolution unjustly suggests misconduct by the President, despite existing legal precedent supporting the suspension.
Adding to this discourse, Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, CEO of the National Petroleum Authority, labeled the GBA’s stance as “manifest hypocrisy.” He cited inconsistencies in the Association’s criticisms, particularly highlighting its opposition to President Mahama’s judicial appointments in 2023, while being silent on similar actions by previous administrations. He questioned the GBA’s vocal stance specifically against Mahama, calling for a fairer approach.
Barker-Vormawor and his supporters are advocating for a special assembly, aiming to realign the GBA’s activities with legal integrity and uphold the judiciary’s independence by rejecting the controversial resolution.
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Source: https://www.ghanaweb.com/
