Accra, Ghana – A recent nationwide survey conducted by Global Info Analytics has revealed that a majority of Ghanaians support the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. The poll indicates that 53% of voters across the country are in favor of the action taken by President John Mahama, highlighting the complex and divided public sentiment surrounding this critical decision.

The survey, which sampled 2,558 voters randomly across all 16 regions between May 2 and May 19, carries a margin of error of ±2.51%. Its findings provide valuable insights into the varying levels of support, regional disparities, and the influence of political affiliations on opinions regarding the Chief Justice suspension.

While a majority of Ghanaians express support, the survey also reveals that 20% of voters oppose the suspension. A further 12% remain neutral, while 15% have no opinion on the matter. This underscores the nuanced nature of public perception and the diverse perspectives within Ghanaian society regarding the Chief Justice suspension and its implications.

The suspension of Chief Justice Torkornoo, which occurred on April 22, followed the establishment of a prima facie case against her based on three petitions. President Mahama, citing Article 146(6) of the Constitution, formed a five-member committee to investigate the allegations, determining that sufficient grounds existed to warrant further inquiry.

Interestingly, when initially asked in April, 30% of voters supported the removal of the Chief Justice if evidence of unlawful conduct emerged. However, the latest survey indicates that only 20% now support her removal based on such evidence, while 33% remain opposed. The number of neutral voters has risen to 20%, and 27% still have no opinion on the matter.

Regionally, the survey highlights some significant variations. While a majority of voters in most regions support the suspension, the North East and Northern regions stand out as exceptions, showing less support for the President’s action.

Political affiliation plays a significant role in shaping opinions on the suspension. Among voters affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP), only 13% support the suspension, while a striking 87% of National Democratic Congress (NDC) voters are in favor. Floating voters show a moderate level of support at 54%, with 58% of voters affiliated with other parties also supporting the President’s decision. Among those who do not disclose any party affiliation, 37% support the suspension.

Further dissecting the opposition to the suspension reveals that 51% of those who oppose it are NPP voters, while only 2% are NDC voters. Floating voters account for 9% of the opposition, with 2% affiliated with other parties and 9% not disclosing their party affiliation.

The ongoing investigation by the five-member committee and its subsequent outcome are expected to further shape public opinion. The Global Info Analytics survey serves as a crucial snapshot of the current sentiment, highlighting the complexities surrounding the suspension and the diverse viewpoints within Ghanaian society concerning the Chief Justice suspension. The survey’s comprehensive methodology and representative sample provide a reliable assessment of public attitudes during this critical period.