Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has criticised the process that led to the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, saying her successor was denied a fair hearing.
The retired judge condemned the dismissal, describing the proceedings as a “rigmarole” that sets a dangerous precedent for Ghana’s judiciary.
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Her comments follow President John Dramani Mahama‘s decision on September 1 to dismiss Justice Torkonoo based on the recommendation of an Article 146 Committee established to investigate a petition for her removal on grounds of “stated misbehaviour.”
While government officials insist the action was constitutionally mandated, the process has drawn sharp criticism from legal and political figures.
Speaking in an interview with TV3 on Tuesday, September 2, Justice Akuffo, who also serves as a Member of the Council of State, expressed her dismay at how the matter was handled.
“She did not get a fair trial,” Akuffo said. “Even though it is not a trial strictly speaking, it was handled as though it were a treason trial.”
She further argued that the allegations levelled against Justice Torkonoo lacked the weight to justify such a severe outcome. “They lack the gravity that will lead to a grave outcome, such as the removal of the head of an institution of justice.”
Her comments echo sentiments previously voiced by the embattled Chief Justice herself, who had described the process as “cruel” and unconstitutional.
Other prominent legal voices have also waded in, including former Deputy Attorney General Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, who branded the removal as an “unholy assault on the independence of the judiciary” and a fulfilment of a campaign promise by the current administration.
The dismissal of Justice Torkonoo has marked a historic and controversial moment in Ghana’s legal history, reigniting debate about the integrity of constitutional institutions and the delicate balance of power between the executive and the judiciary.
As the legal community grapples with the implications, Akuffo offered a sober warning: “I pray to God that no Chief Justice, no Judge should go through this rigmarole again.”
