Chief Justice’s removal raises questions about Judicial Independence – NPP Communicator

Mr. Frank Adjei-Worlanyo, the Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Akan Constituency, has expressed concern over the recent removal of Ghana’s Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, by President John Dramani. 

He said the action taken by the President raised serious questions about the independence of the judiciary in Ghana, adding that, the removal set a worrying precedent and could undermine public confidence in the impartiality and autonomy of the judicial system. 

Mr. Adjei-Worlanyo stated that on January 6, 2025, President Nana Akufo‑Addo dismissed a petition against Chief Justice Torkornoo due to insufficient evidence, stating that, it did not disclose a prima facie case and violated procedures. 

Mr. Adjei said: “March 25, 2025, President John Mahama referred three new petitions to the Council of State, initiating the formal Article 146 (6) process for possible removal. 

“April 4–7, 2025 Torkornoo submitted formal responses to the petitions within the 10-day deadline. 

“April 22, 2025 President Mahama suspended her after determining, with the Council of State, that a prima facie case existed.”  

He said on May 15, 2025, the committee commenced in camera hearings, chaired by Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, and including other eminent jurists and professionals. 

On May 21, 2025, Chief Justice Torkornoo filed an injunction at the Supreme Court to halt the committee’s proceedings and her suspension, but it was dismissed in two separate rulings that same day. 

On June 25, 2025, she publicly denounced the process as “cruel” and “unconstitutional,” warning it could set a damaging precedent for judicial independence. 

On September 1, 2025, President Mahama officially removed Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office, following the committee’s recommendation and in line with Article 146 (9) of the 1992 Constitution. 

Mr. Worlanyo-Adjei said the balance between accountability and judicial independence is spot on. 

“This case is unprecedented in modern Ghana’s history and raises valid questions,” he said. 

He said Justice Torkornoo’s call for public hearings reflects a broader anxiety about opaque processes being used to remove her. 

He said while these actions followed constitutional procedures, the timing and external nature of petitions (Mr. Daniel Ofori) makes the process appear influenced by political agendas—though no source specifically names petitioners publicly, as you implied. 

He said Mrs. Torkornoo feared, this may embolden future ruling parties to remove key judicial figures under “stated misbehaviour” without robust safeguards. 

Mr. Worlanyo-Adjei said the removal demands reflection on legal protections—how might we reinforce due process without undermining accountability? How transparent should such removal proceedings be, and who should oversee them. 

Source: GNA 

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