My potential removal threatens future of judicial independence – CJ Torkornoo

Suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has warned that the ongoing process to remove her from office could set a dangerous precedent with far-reaching consequences for Ghana’s judiciary and constitutional governance.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, June 25, Justice Torkornoo stressed that while the current proceedings target her personally, the implications extend far beyond her case, potentially undermining the constitutional protections afforded to other high-ranking public officials.

“This process will affect how all High Court Justices, Justices of the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court Justices, and future Chief Justices may be removed from office, it also jeopardises the security of tenure for Commissioners and Heads of independent constitutional bodies tasked with safeguarding the rights and freedoms of Ghanaian citizens,” she said.

Justice Torkornoo emphasised that the framers of the 1992 Constitution deliberately created strict legal thresholds and procedures under Article 146 to protect judges and independent officeholders from arbitrary or politically motivated removal.

She cautioned that weakening these safeguards could subject officials to undue influence from powerful actors within the executive and legislature, eroding the very foundations of Ghana’s democracy.

Among the positions she said are at risk if due process is ignored are:

• Justices of the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court

• The Auditor-General

• The Chairperson and members of the Public Services Commission

• Commissioners of the Electoral Commission

• The Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ)

• The Commissioner and Deputies of the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE)

“These constitutional officers can only be removed for specific, proven grounds such as an inability to perform the functions of their office, any deviation from this standard threatens the rule of law, institutional independence, and public trust,” she explained.

Justice Torkornoo concluded with a strong call for the nation to uphold Article 146 without compromise, warning that the integrity of Ghana’s democratic institutions hangs in the balance.

“This is not just about me, it is about protecting the constitutional order that guarantees freedom and justice for every Ghanaian,” she said.