Sophia Akuffo decries ousting of Justice Torkornoo, says Judiciary’s independence undermined
Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has raised strong concerns over the dismissal of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, cautioning that the process has dealt a heavy blow to the independence of Ghana’s judiciary.
In an interview with Accra-based TV3, the Council of State member described the proceedings as unfair and overly harsh.
“My honest and candid view is that this has so weakened the institution of the judiciary,” she said. “She did not get a fair trial.
Even though it was not a trial in the strict sense, it was conducted as though it were a treason case.”
Justice Torkornoo’s removal was officially announced on Monday, September 1, in a statement issued by the Ministry of Government Communications.
The decision followed President John Dramani Mahama’s review of the findings of a special committee set up under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution to investigate petitions calling for her removal.
The committee cited “stated misbehaviour” as grounds for recommending her dismissal, a recommendation the President was constitutionally bound to uphold.
Her ouster came after months of proceedings triggered by three separate petitions. A prima facie case was established in April, which led to her suspension in consultation with the Council of State.
The five-member inquiry panel was chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, with members including former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Major Flora Bazaanura Dalugo of the Ghana Armed Forces, and Professor James Sefah Dzisah of the University of Ghana.
Justice Pwamang, presenting the report, noted that the panel operated under Articles 146(7) and (8), which required it to sit in-camera, allow the respondent to defend herself, and submit recommendations to the President.
Justice Torkornoo’s dismissal has since ignited debate within the legal and political space, with observers describing it as a defining test of Ghana’s judicial independence and democratic resilience.
Comments (0)