Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo has cautioned that the ongoing attempt to remove her from office poses a serious threat not only to the judiciary but to the independence of all constitutional bodies in Ghana
The suspended Chief Justice expressed deep concern about how the proceedings against her, if allowed to stand, could set a dangerous precedent for how key public officials are treated in the future during a press conference.
“Though I am in the process alone, its effects ripple far beyond me as a person,” she said. “This process will affect how all High Court Justices, Justices of the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court Justices and all Chief Justices that will be appointed in the future may be removed from office.”
She noted that institutions such as the Electoral Commission, CHRAJ, and the Auditor-General’s office—mandated by the 1992 Constitution to act independently—could also be compromised if similar removal tactics are normalized.
“It also affects Commissioners and Heads of independent constitutional bodies set up to protect the freedom and justice of Ghanaian citizens,” she added.
Justice Torkornoo said the framers of Ghana’s Constitution deliberately insulated certain public officials from political interference, recognizing their duty to serve citizens without fear or favour.
“The framers of the Constitution identified certain categories of public officials who must directly serve the citizens of Ghana, without being afraid of punishment or reprisals from influential people, or members of the executive and the legislature.”
Her warning comes amid growing public debate about the integrity of the proceedings and whether due process is being followed. Though the specifics of the petition against her remain unclear to the public, Torkornoo has maintained that the entire approach “breaks every rule of how justice is delivered in the country.”
