Suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has broken her silence on the petitions seeking her removal from office, citing serious constitutional and procedural concerns about the process. Speaking at a press conference on June 25, 2025, Justice Torkornoo described the secretive nature of the proceedings as “fundamentally unconstitutional” and a complete violation of judicial norms.
Key Points from Justice Torkornoo’s Address:
– Unprecedented Process: Justice Torkornoo stated that there has never been a removal of a Chief Justice in Ghana’s 68-year history, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
– Constitutional Violations: She highlighted nine key areas of concern, including the flawed process, conflict of interest in the committee, and lack of transparency.
– No Resignation: Justice Torkornoo firmly rejected calls to resign, stating that stepping down would legitimize an unjust process.
– Conflict of Interest: She raised concerns about Justice Pwamang chairing the proceedings, given his past rulings in favor of one petitioner, Daniel Ofori.
– Response to Allegations: Justice Torkornoo delivered a detailed defense against the allegations leveled against her, describing them as unfounded and politically driven.
Justice Torkornoo has filed an action in the Supreme Court requesting that her hearing be conducted publicly in the interest of accountability and transparency. Despite her request, the government has declined to allow an open hearing, leading to concerns about the implications for judicial independence in the country.
The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has also weighed in on the matter, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting constitutional processes. The association notes that while the GBA recognizes the constitutional prescriptions for the removal of the Chief Justice, it is crucial that all actors involved in the process adhere to the time-tested tenets of the Rule of Law.
The development has sparked widespread public debate, with the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) criticizing the move as an attack on the Judiciary. The Presidency has defended the removal proceedings, dismissing Justice Torkornoo’s criticisms and reaffirming the government’s commitment to constitutional processes.