Suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has warned that Ghana’s democracy is at a dangerous crossroads, stating that the ongoing removal process against her represents a direct threat to constitutional governance and judicial independence. I Carry a Burden of Leadership
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, June 25, Justice Torkornoo described the proceedings as “bizarre” and unconstitutional, cautioning that if allowed to proceed unchallenged, they would set a damaging precedent for all judges and public officers.
“Let me respectfully say that the current bizarre proceedings I have brought to your attention presents a twist to our nation’s democratic journey that we all ignore at our own cost,” she said.
She added: “My humble view [is] that Ghana has come too far in the 33 years of the Fourth Republic not to be concerned about the unconstitutionalities that have been designed not to affect just me personally as Chief Justice but all judges and public officers subject to removal processes of Article 146, if this is successfully carried out without being questioned.”
Justice Torkornoo, who became Ghana’s third female Chief Justice in June 2023, stressed that her resistance to the removal process is not for personal gain, but in defense of institutional integrity and rule of law.
“If this is successful, it will be tried on anyone. I am not countering this process for myself but on account of the leadership burden that I carry,” she declared.
In a sharp message to the public and political leadership, she added: “If the nation is willing to accept these developments in its democratic journey, it must be understood that I sounded the warning and the nation took the decision to be passive about it.”
The Chief Justice’s remarks come amid growing debate over the legality and transparency of the process initiated for her removal. The petition-driven procedure, established under Article 146 of the Constitution, led to her suspension and the formation of a five-member committee to investigate allegations of misconduct. The proceedings have been held in camera in line with constitutional convention.
Efforts by Justice Torkornoo to halt the process through the courts — including four lawsuits and interlocutory injunction applications — were dismissed by the Supreme Court, one which she filed personally.
