The Supreme Court of Ghana has unanimously dismissed an application by former National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) Director-General, Kwabena Adu-Boahene, seeking to remove the High Court judge presiding over his ongoing trial. The decision was handed down on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, by a five-member panel of the apex court.
Adu-Boahene, represented by lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea, asked the Supreme Court under its supervisory jurisdiction to prevent the High Court judge from continuing with the case, citing allegations of bias, prejudgment, and unfair treatment. However, the panel found the application lacked merit and ruled against it, promising to deliver the full reasons behind their judgment on November 5, 2025.
The case was presided over by Justice Avril Lovelace-Johnson, who led a panel comprising:
- Justice Richard Adjei-Frimpong: Appointed to the Supreme Court in January 2024 after serving on the Court of Appeal. He was involved in dismissing a challenge by former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo regarding her removal.
- Justice Senyo Dzamefe: One of seven recent Supreme Court appointees by President John Dramani Mahama, previously chairing the Dzamefe Commission investigating Ghana’s 2014 World Cup performance.
- Justice Dennis Dominic Adjei: A newly appointed Supreme Court justice and judge of the African Court, also serving on the International Criminal Court’s Advisory Committee.
- Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo: Former Court of Appeal and High Court judge, notable for leading judgments in high-profile cases, including the Republic v. Ato Forson & 2 Others ambulance case and the Ex Parte Zanetor matter.
Justice Lovelace-Johnson, appointed to the Supreme Court in 2019 by former President Nana Akufo-Addo, has previously served at the High Court and Court of Appeal and is known for her involvement in landmark rulings, including the “Vacant Seat Case.”
The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision reinforces its authority over lower courts and ensures Adu-Boahene’s trial in the High Court will proceed without interruption.
