“Torkornoo's removal was like a treason trial” – Former CJ blasts process

Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has strongly criticised the process that led to the removal of her successor, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, describing it as excessively harsh and damaging to the judiciary.

Speaking to TV3’s Joseph Ackah-Blay, Madam Akuffo said the proceedings resembled a treason trial rather than a constitutional inquiry. "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 remarked.

Justice Torkornoo was removed from office by President John Dramani Mahama on Monday, September 1, 2025, following recommendations from a five-member committee constituted under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution. The committee was formed after a prima facie case was established based on three separate petitions alleging misbehaviour.

The former Chief Justice questioned both the seriousness of the allegations and the necessity of setting up the committee in the first place. “The allegations lack the gravity that would lead to a grave outcome such as the removal of the head of an institution of justice,” she stated. “Allegations against the Chief Justice do not cross the threshold. It follows that the committee should not have been set up.”

Justice Torkornoo was suspended on April 22, 2025, pending the outcome of the inquiry. The committee was chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang and included former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Major Flora Bazaanura Dalugo of the Ghana Armed Forces, and Professor James Sefah Dzisah of the University of Ghana.

In a statement issued by the Minister of Government Communications, the government confirmed that the President had acted in accordance with the constitutional provisions after receiving the committee’s report.

“President John Dramani Mahama has, in accordance with Article 146(9) of the 1992 Constitution, removed the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, from office with immediate effect,” the statement read.

The committee, after conducting its inquiry in camera, concluded that the grounds of stated misbehaviour under Article 146(1) had been established and recommended her removal. Justice Pwamang noted that the inquiry allowed Justice Torkornoo the opportunity to defend herself either personally or through legal representation.

Despite the constitutional process being followed, Madam Akuffo maintained that the outcome has “weakened the institution of the judiciary” and may have long-term repercussions for judicial independence in Ghana.

Justice Torkornoo has yet to make a public statement regarding her removal.