ACCRA, April 17, 2025 — A new Global InfoAnalytics poll has revealed that a majority of Ghanaians — 52% — support the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, despite the absence of any proven misconduct.
The poll, conducted between April 7 and 16, sampled 2,545 voters nationwide with a 99% confidence level and ±1.51% margin of error. It provides a significant insight into growing public sentiment surrounding Ghana’s judiciary.
While only 20% oppose her removal, 18% remain neutral and 10% expressed no opinion. The data shows widespread support across various regions and education levels, raising serious questions about public trust in the judiciary.
Regional Breakdown: Widespread Support Except Ahafo and Upper East
- Greater Accra: 58% support, 16% oppose
- Ashanti: 37% support, 32% oppose
- Central: 51% support, 16% oppose
Only Ahafo and Upper East showed less support for removal. Nonetheless, every other region leaned in favour, suggesting a national consensus that transcends traditional political lines.
Educational Backgrounds: Support Across All Levels
- JHS holders: 57% support, 17% oppose
- SHS holders: 50% support, 21% oppose
- Tertiary education: 54% support, 18% oppose
- No formal education: 37% support, 30% oppose
Even among the least educated, views were nearly evenly split, indicating that the issue cuts across all demographics.
Petitions, Legal Action, and Constitutional Controversy
The poll comes against the backdrop of three petitions submitted to President John Mahama calling for the Chief Justice’s removal. On March 25, the Presidency’s Communications Directorate confirmed the petitions and announced that the matter had been referred to the Council of State, in line with constitutional procedures.
However, this move has been met with legal resistance. On March 27, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, MP for Tafo, sued the Attorney General, accusing the President of violating constitutional provisions by not notifying the Chief Justice before involving the Council of State.
In the latest legal development, the Supreme Court was scheduled to hear injunction applications against the petition on April 16. The hearing was postponed to May 6, due to the absence of Justice Samuel Asiedu, leaving only four judges to sit on the panel, chaired by Justice Osei Bonsu.
A Nation at a Crossroads
Though no evidence of wrongdoing by Chief Justice Torkornoo has emerged, the public’s overwhelming support for her removal underscores growing discontent with the judicial system and signals a need for deeper institutional introspection.
As the matter heads to the Supreme Court and the Council of State, the coming weeks will test Ghana’s constitutional checks and balances — and could redefine the relationship between the judiciary, executive, and the people.
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