Sophia Akuffo condemns removal of Chief Justice Torkornoo as unjust and dangerous precedent
Former Chief Justice and Council of State member, Justice Sophia Akuffo, has strongly criticised the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, describing the process as unjust and a serious threat to Ghana’s judicial independence.
Reacting in an interview with TV3, Justice Akuffo said the ordeal marked an unfortunate chapter in Ghana’s democracy that must never be repeated.
“I pray to God that no Chief Justice, no Judge should go through this rigmarole again,” she stated.
The former Chief Justice, who served as Ghana’s 13th, said the process resembled a political witch-hunt and argued that Justice Torkornoo did not receive a fair hearing.
“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 stressed.
Her comments come amid mounting criticism of President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to approve the recommendations of a five-member committee that investigated petitions of misconduct and incompetence against Justice Torkornoo.
Background
On April 22, 2025, President Mahama suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo after a prima facie case was established against her, based on three undisclosed petitions. In line with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution, he consulted the Council of State and set up an investigative committee chaired by Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, with members including Justice Samuel Adibu-Asiedu, Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Major Flora Bazaanura Dalugo, and Professor James Sefah-Dzisah.
During the probe, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie was appointed Acting Chief Justice. The suspension drew sharp criticism from the Ghana Bar Association, which labelled the move unconstitutional, citing the absence of constitutional instruments or regulations under Article 296 to justify the president’s discretion.
Civil society groups, including the Centre for Democratic Movement, also condemned the process as politically skewed and lacking transparency. Chief Justice Torkornoo herself described the proceedings as “arbitrary” and “cruel,” vowing not to resign in order to defend her integrity.
The opposition New Patriotic Party joined the outcry, warning that the move undermined judicial independence and Ghana’s democratic stability.
Despite these concerns, President Mahama formally removed Justice Torkornoo from office on Monday, September 1, 2025, after the committee recommended her dismissal for stated misbehaviour.
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