Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has publicly questioned the fairness and legality of the ongoing investigation into petitions seeking her removal from office. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, June 26, Justice Torkornoo raised serious concerns about the five-member committee probing the matter, chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Pwamang.
Highlighting what she described as procedural irregularities, the Chief Justice posed fifteen critical questions challenging the transparency and foundation of the inquiry. She questioned the choice of venue, the basis for demands surrounding her leave and travel arrangements, and the refusal of the committee to provide her with copies of the petitions and relevant documents.
Justice Torkornoo also drew attention to potential conflicts of interest, noting that Justice Pwamang had previously ruled in favor of one of the petitioners, Daniel Ofori, casting doubt on his impartiality in the current process. She further criticized the committee’s selective adoption of legal instruments, and the involvement of an unregistered group, “Shining Stars,” in bringing the petition.
The Chief Justice warned that the inquiry, if allowed to proceed unchecked, could set a dangerous precedent affecting the independence and security of judicial office holders in Ghana. She questioned the constitutional validity of the proceedings and refused to resign, describing the process as unconstitutional and a violation of established adjudication principles.
Her statements underscore mounting tensions surrounding the judiciary’s leadership and raise questions about the integrity of the mechanisms employed to address allegations against the country’s highest judicial officer.
