Former Chief Justice and Council of State member, Justice Sophia Akuffo, has vehemently criticized the dismissal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, labeling the process as unjust and profoundly concerning for Ghana’s judicial system.
In response to the recent termination of Justice Torkornoo by President John Dramani Mahama, during an interview on TV3, Justice Akuffo remarked that this incident represents an unfortunate episode in Ghana’s democratic progress and should never occur again.
“I pray to God that no Chief Justice, no Judge should endure this ordeal again,” she expressed with gravity.
Justice Akuffo, who held the position of Ghana’s 13th Chief Justice, expressed serious concerns regarding the conduct of the investigation and subsequent dismissal, comparing it to a political witch hunt.
“She did not receive a fair trial. Although it is not a trial in the strictest sense, it was treated as if it were a treason trial,” she commented.
Her statements arise amidst ongoing debates regarding the removal of Justice Torkornoo, which critics—including several opposition Members of Parliament—have characterized as politically motivated and an assault on judicial independence.
On April 22, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from her position after a prima facie case was established based on three undisclosed petitions that alleged misconduct and incompetence.
According to Article 146(6) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, the president may suspend a Supreme Court justice after consulting the Council of State if a prima facie case is established, and he is required to appoint a committee for investigation. President Mahama adhered to this procedure by forming a five-member inquiry panel, chaired by Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang and comprising Justice Samuel Adibu-Asiedu, former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Major Flora Bazaanura Dalugo, and Professor James Sefah-Dzisah.
During the investigation, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, the most senior judge of the Supreme Court, was appointed as the acting Chief Justice.
The suspension caused significant unrest within Ghana’s legal community. The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) criticized the action as unconstitutional, asserting that the president failed to publish any Constitutional Instrument or regulations to validate the exercise of discretionary power, as mandated by Article 296 of the Constitution.
In a similar vein, the Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) condemned the decision as a violation of constitutional principles and judicial independence. The CDM questioned the impartiality of the inquiry, pointing out that the committee’s composition appeared politically biased and lacked transparency, thus compromising due process.
Chief Justice Torkornoo has publicly defended her position, describing the suspension and removal proceedings as “arbitrary,” “cruel,” and unconstitutional. She has declined to resign, stating that doing so would equate to acquiescing to a flawed process and relinquishing her right to defend herself.
The NPP (New Patriotic Party) shared these concerns, denouncing the suspension as unconstitutional and cautioning that it threatens Ghana’s democratic integrity.
On Monday, September 1, President John Mahama ultimately dismissed her following the committee’s recommendation for her removal due to specified misconduct.
