Suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo Releases Full Petition, Vows to Defend Integrity Amid Removal Bid
Accra, June 26, 2025 — Suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo has publicly released the full contents of three petitions filed for her removal from office — including a detailed complaint by a civic group known as the Shining Stars of Ghana, led by Kingsley Agyei.
In a petition dated February 14, 2025, the group cites misbehaviour and incompetence as grounds for Justice Torkornoo’s removal, listing several allegations which they claim undermine constitutional governance and public trust in the judiciary.
Key Allegations by Shining Stars of Ghana:
- Breach of Constitutional Procedure
The petitioners allege that Justice Torkornoo violated Article 144 of the 1992 Constitution by personally proposing five justices for appointment to the Supreme Court, an act they argue exceeds her constitutional role and undermines the independence of the appointing process. - Violation of Natural Justice
The group also accused her of presiding over the Afenyo-Markin v. Speaker of Parliament case without affording the Speaker an opportunity to respond—an alleged breach of the audi alteram partem (right to be heard) principle, considered a cornerstone of fair legal proceedings.
The petition contends that these actions erode public confidence in the judiciary and justify her removal from office under the laws governing judicial conduct.
Chief Justice Responds: “I Will Not Resign”
In her first public statement following the suspension, issued on Wednesday, June 25, Justice Torkornoo dismissed the allegations as “politically motivated, unfounded, and legally flawed.”
“This is a carefully orchestrated attempt to remove me from office. I will not resign. I will defend my integrity through due process,” she declared.
She cautioned against what she termed dangerous political interference in the judiciary, warning that “this precedent, if left unchecked, could compromise judicial independence in Ghana.”
Justice Torkornoo also confirmed that she had submitted a formal rebuttal to the President and relevant state bodies, complete with supporting documentation and legal analysis.
Ongoing Political and Legal Tensions
The suspension of Ghana’s Chief Justice has intensified debate about the separation of powers, judicial independence, and the integrity of constitutional processes.
As pressure mounts, several legal commentators and political figures have weighed in on the matter. While some have called for calm and adherence to legal procedure, others view the petition as an attempt to settle political scores.
The full petition by the Shining Stars of Ghana is now publicly accessible for scrutiny, raising the stakes in a constitutional and political drama that continues to unfold.
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