Suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo has spoken publicly for the first time since her suspension, raising grave concerns about the process initiated to remove her from office.
At a press conference held on June 25, the embattled judge described the proceedings as unprecedented, unconstitutional, and dangerous for Ghana’s democracy.
“In all of Ghana’s 68-year history as an independent republic, there has never been a hearing for the removal of the Chief Justice,” she said.
“One would therefore have hoped that if such a process becomes necessary, it would provide good guidance and precedent for nation building.”
However, Justice Torkornoo accused those behind the process of violating fundamental principles of justice.
“Unfortunately, every step of the removal process being undertaken against me is being done in a manner that breaks every rule on how justice is delivered in the country,” she stated. “And this is why I find the need to draw the nation’s attention… to the serious violations of the Constitution and law in the process, and the danger it holds for the development of the nation’s democracy.”
Beyond her personal plight, she emphasized the broader consequences of the situation for the judiciary and other constitutional bodies.
“Though I am in the process alone, its effects ripple far beyond me as a person. 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 warned that if the current approach is allowed to stand, it will undermine the independence of the judiciary and other key constitutional institutions charged with safeguarding freedom and justice in Ghana.
“In building Ghana’s democracy in the Fourth Republic, 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.”
Justice Torkornoo’s statement is expected to spark national debate and legal scrutiny, as many watch closely how Ghana navigates this delicate moment in its democratic history.
