A private legal practitioner, Mr. Yaw Anokye Frimpong, has stated that suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Esaaba Torkornoo had every opportunity to resign honourably to avoid the current brouhaha surrounding her removal process.
He described it as irresponsible and reckless for her to have interacted with the media and made public the petitions currently under investigation.
He explained that even in ordinary court cases, parties involved are not permitted to make public or media commentary, as that could amount to contempt of court.
On the claims that she is being threatened and told to resign or face harm—and that resigning would mean losing all her benefits—he stated:
“That is not entirely true. If she resigns or had resigned, she would still be entitled to all her benefits. It is only when a person is dismissed on certain grounds that they risk losing all their benefits and entitlements.”
He noted that she has served for over 22 years, rising from a private legal practitioner to Chief Justice. If she resigns, she would do so as a former Chief Justice, retain her benefits, and be accorded due respect—instead of waiting to be humiliated, sacked, or removed.
“When someone advises you to resign honourably, it is not a threat—it is an act of love, intended to spare you from disgrace. If the committee concludes its work and she is dismissed, that will be the end of her public service career. She will have no sympathy and no opportunity to work in the public sector again. However, if she takes the bold step and resigns, it would be the best decision. It would cast the government in a negative light and make the international community see the situation as one in which the government pressured a Chief Justice to resign.”
He added that Madam Torkornoo should have resigned immediately after President Mahama won the election, pointing out that her ally, former President Akufo-Addo—who dismissed the petitions filed against her—would not receive that same level of protection or support under the new administration.
The lawyer, who is also a historian, said the suspended Chief Justice may have had genuine concerns; however, her decision to use the media to narrate and disclose details of the ongoing case was a serious legal blunder.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he said, “The suspended Chief Justice erred. She may have genuine concerns, but going public was a blunder because, regardless of the outcome, she would have every opportunity to seek redress through the appropriate channels.”
He also asserted that it was a grievous sin for her to have levelled accusations against the committee probing the matter, especially when they were not available to respond, and that amounted to a one-sided story told by someone who is aggrieved and frustrated.
“The suspended Chief Justice is highly frustrated — not due to poverty, but because the ongoing situation has overwhelmed her. She also appears to lack competent advisors or counsellors to guide her on how best to cope with the shock and frustration she is experiencing.”
Mr. Anokye Frimpong added that Madam Torkornoo knows the allegations against her are serious, and despite all her claims, she continues to appear before the committee.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
