Former Chief Justice and Council of State member, Sophia Akuffo, has raised doubts over the allegations that led to the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, by President John Dramani Mahama.
In an interview, Madam Akuffo criticised the process, describing it as a “rigmarole” that should never have been imposed on any judge, let alone a Chief Justice.
“The [allegations] lack the gravity that will lead to a grave outcome such as the removal of the head of an institution of justice,” she said.
Justice Torkornoo was officially removed from office on Monday, September 1, 2025. President Mahama acted in line with Article 146(9) of the 1992 Constitution, following the recommendation of a committee established under Article 146(6) to investigate a petition filed by a citizen, Mr. Daniel Ofori.
A statement from the Presidency, signed by Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu, stressed that the President was constitutionally bound to implement the committee’s recommendation, making the removal effective immediately.
Madam Sophia Akuffo, however, argued that the process not only lacked sufficient grounds but also risked undermining the independence of the judiciary. Her intervention adds to the mounting debate about whether the removal of Justice Torkornoo was politically influenced or constitutionally inevitable.