The recent removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo by President John Dramani Mahama has drawn sharp criticism from Hassan Tampuli, Member of Parliament for Gushegu, who described the action as politically motivated and procedurally unfair.
Justice Torkornoo was dismissed on Monday, September 1, 2025, following a recommendation from a committee appointed under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution to investigate a petition filed by a private citizen. The decision, taken under Article 146(9), took immediate effect.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s “The Point of View”, Tampuli questioned the grounds cited for her removal, particularly the inclusion of foreign travels by the Chief Justice’s spouse and associated per diem allowances. He described this rationale as “highly ridiculous” and inconsistent with privileges granted to other state leaders, including the President, Vice President, and Speaker of Parliament.
“The Chief Justice carries the burden of leading the judiciary. If state leaders’ spouses are entitled to such privileges, why is she being treated differently?” Tampuli asked.
He also accused the investigative committee of acting arbitrarily to secure a predetermined outcome, warning that the dismissal sets “a very dangerous precedent” for judicial independence in Ghana.
“This is not just about one person; it is about the integrity of our institutions. The stage appears to have been set in advance, and the committee simply had to find a basis for removal,” he said.
The MP’s comments add to growing debate over the removal, raising questions about checks and balances, the protection of judicial independence, and the potential political overtones of such actions.
