Gertrude Torkornoo Speaks Out: “This Is Not About Power—It’s About Justice”
Suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo has spoken publicly for the first time since petitions were submitted demanding her removal from office. In a heartfelt statement delivered on Wednesday, June 25, she strongly defended her character, criticized the fairness of the process against her, and voiced serious concerns about how constitutional procedures are being disregarded.
Among the issues she raised was a bizarre accusation involving a private vacation. She questioned how a personal trip—specifically the claim that she traveled with her security and not her family—could be twisted into a justification for launching an inquiry against the sitting Chief Justice. "Why would anyone think it’s appropriate to question who I travel with, and how does that warrant a formal investigation?" she asked.
One of the complaints against her came from businessman Daniel Ofori, who claims she improperly reassigned a court case in which he was involved. Justice Torkornoo explained that the transfer happened because the original judge had to leave Ghana unexpectedly due to a family crisis. “This wasn’t misconduct—it was a necessary administrative decision,” she clarified.
More disturbing, however, are the threats she claims to have received. Justice Torkornoo revealed that she’s been pressured to either step down or face consequences. “I’ve been told in no uncertain terms that harm will come my way if I don’t resign voluntarily,” she said.
She also raised red flags about the fairness of the process, particularly the role of Justice Gabriel Pwamang, who is leading the committee examining the petitions. According to Torkornoo, Pwamang was part of a Supreme Court panel that ruled in Ofori’s favor in a case she personally dissented from. “How can he be expected to be impartial when he's already ruled in support of the person bringing the complaint?” she questioned.
Justice Torkornoo also criticized the lack of transparency surrounding the proceedings. “How can I properly defend myself when I haven’t even seen the petitions or the evidence being used to build a case against me?” she said. “My legal team is being left to guess what the accusations are—it’s completely unjust.”
Another deeply troubling issue is the choice of venue for the hearing. She revealed that the proceedings are being held at Adu Lodge, a location with traumatic significance for her. “That’s where my uncle, who was also my guardian, was murdered in 1981,” she shared. “It’s also linked to the planning of the 1982 killings of judges.” She called the selection of the site a deliberate attempt to intimidate her and keep the process hidden from public view.
Justice Torkornoo emphasized that her refusal to step aside is not about holding onto status or power. “This isn’t about titles. After nearly four decades as a lawyer and over 20 years on the bench, I know when a process lacks fairness,” she said. “If this can happen to the Chief Justice, no judge in this country is safe.”
She also pointed out that in Ghana’s entire post-independence history, there has never been a formal attempt to remove a sitting Chief Justice. “What’s happening now breaks every principle of justice we claim to uphold,” she added.
With her statement, Justice Torkornoo made it clear: she will not walk away silently. Her fight, she said, is not personal—it’s a stand for the rule of law, for judicial independence, and for every judge who might one day face the same threat.
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