Removal of CJ threatens judicial independence – Economic Fighters League
The Economic Fighters League has expressed deep concern over the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, warning that the decision could have far-reaching consequences for judicial independence and Ghana’s constitutional democracy.
While the group acknowledged that the removal followed procedures outlined in Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, it stressed that the constitutional legality of the action does not exempt it from public scrutiny.
The Fighters argued that Ghanaians must interrogate the broader implications for governance, accountability, and public confidence in the judiciary.
“We recognise the constitutional basis of the action, but it is crucial to examine its impact on judicial independence, constitutional governance, and public confidence in the courts,” the statement read.
Describing Justice Torkornoo’s tenure as one marked by “jurisprudential controversies,” the Fighters League said her leadership at the Supreme Court eroded trust in the judiciary.
The group cited the Court’s rapid handling of a politically sensitive case on vacant parliamentary seats, while simultaneously failing to resolve the long-standing disenfranchisement of residents in Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL), who have had no parliamentary representation for over four years.
This, they argued, was a clear violation of Article 17(1)–(3) of the Constitution, which guarantees equal protection under the law.
According to the statement, the judiciary under Justice Torkornoo demonstrated what it called a “selective application of judicial urgency,” suggesting a troubling alignment with the interests of the Executive.
The Fighters warned that such tendencies compromise the authority of the judiciary and further erode public faith in the courts as the final arbiters of justice.
While the group stated it took no joy in the personal downfall of the former Chief Justice, it described the episode as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by perceived partisanship within the judiciary.
The Fighters League called for the full publication of the committee’s report that led to her removal, in the interest of transparency and accountability.
They also demanded institutional reforms to insulate the judiciary from political interference, and insisted that Justice Torkornoo be guaranteed the right to fairly respond to the allegations brought against her.
The statement concluded by underscoring that the strength of Ghana’s democracy depends on the independence and integrity of its judiciary, legislature, and executive.
It called on all Ghanaians to remain vigilant in defending constitutional rights from being sacrificed for partisan advantage.
