Former Chief Justice and Council of State member, Justice Sophia Akuffo, has expressed her disappointment at the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
According to the outspoken former head of the judiciary, the process was unjust and deeply troubling for Ghana’s judicial system.
Speaking in an interview with TV3, she noted that the removal of Justice Torkornoo was an unfortunate and a rigmarole that should never happen again.
“I pray to God that no Chief Justice, no Judge should go through this rigmarole again,” she stated solemnly.
To her, the process of inquiry and subsequent removal could be likened to a political witch-hunt.
“She did not get a fair trial. Even though it is not a trial strictly speaking, it was handled as though it were a treason trial,” she said.
Background
President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana has officially relieved Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo of her duties, effective immediately.
Furthermore, she has been removed from her position as a judge of the Supreme Court.
This decision was formalized in an official document signed by the President on September 1, 2025.
The document, titled “NOW THEREFORE, KNOW YE ALL MEN,” explicitly states that the removal was made “in pursuance of the said Article 146(9)” of the constitution.
It formally removes Justice Torkornoo from both the office of Chief Justice and as a Justice of the Supreme Court.
The declaration bears the signature of President Mahama and is affixed with the Presidential Seal. Consequently, the office of the Chief Justice is now vacant.
The President is expected to initiate the process of appointing a successor, which necessitates consultation with the Judicial Council and the Council of State and approval by Parliament.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
