Sophia Akuffo blasts Torkonoo’s removal
Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has criticised the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, arguing that the process lacked fairness and transparency, and poses a serious threat to judicial independence in Ghana.
Speaking in an interview on September 2, she described the proceedings that led to Torkonoo’s dismissal as a “rigmarole” and warned that it sets a troubling precedent for the judiciary.
Her remarks follow President John Dramani Mahama’s decision on September 1 to remove Chief Justice Torkonoo, acting on the recommendation of an Article 146 Committee established to investigate allegations of “stated misbehaviour”.
Although the government insists it followed constitutional procedures, the process has sparked widespread backlash from senior legal and political figures.
Akuffo, who also serves on the Council of State, said she was deeply disturbed by how the matter was handled, asserting that Torkonoo was not given a fair hearing.
“She did not get a fair trial, even though this was not a trial in the strict legal sense, it was conducted as if she were facing charges of treason,” the former Chief Justice stated.
She questioned the seriousness of the allegations, suggesting they did not warrant such a drastic outcome.
“The accusations lacked the gravity necessary to justify removing the head of an institution as critical as the judiciary,” she added.
Her comments echo those of Justice Torkonoo herself, who earlier described the process as “cruel” and unconstitutional.
Other legal experts have weighed in, including former Deputy Attorney General Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, who called the removal “an unholy assault on the independence of the judiciary” and a political move designed to fulfil a campaign promise.
The removal has sent shockwaves through the legal community, raising alarm about the erosion of judicial autonomy and the growing influence of the Executive over the courts.
Akuffo ended her statement with a solemn warning and hope for the future.
“I pray to God that no Chief Justice, no judge, should ever have to go through this kind of ordeal again,,” she stressed.