Suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has firmly dismissed suggestions that she should step down in the face of what she describes as a politically driven attempt to remove her from office.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, she made it clear that resigning is not an option, despite personal discomfort, threats, and growing public discourse around her suspension.
“I have heard on several occasions, from loved ones, persons who care, persons who may not know me beyond my public duties, and many who think that since it is clear that the current proceedings seem to be carefully staged to result in my removal as Chief Justice, it would be best if I just retired or resigned,” she stated.
The embattled Chief Justice disclosed that she has even received threats—both direct and veiled—warning of potential harm should she fail to voluntarily step down. But for her, the principle of justice and the integrity of the judicial system outweigh the pressure to quietly walk away.
“I thank all those who have engaged in this conversation out of concern for my safety and well-being. Let me assure everybody that I do not seek to cling to a title or position,” she added.
With 38 years of legal experience and over two decades on the bench, Justice Torkornoo insisted that her resistance to resignation is not driven by ego, but by duty.
“As a lawyer of 38 years standing, a Judge of 21 years standing, and Chief Justice of Ghana who has served in the rule of law all of my working life, I consider it my onerous duty and obligation to speak up concerning the administration of justice in this country,” she declared.
She went on to describe the current situation as a personal revelation of how deeply injustice can cut—even within the very system meant to uphold fairness. “The situation I have been confronted with has shown me a model of injustice that I would never have thought possible if I had not been exposed to it.”
