I respected the President’s warrant despite its constitutional breach – Justice Gertrude Torkornoo
Suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo says she accepted President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to suspend her out of respect for the presidency—not because she believed it was legally justified.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, 25th June 2025, Justice Torkornoo described the suspension as part of a “bizarre” and “unconstitutional” process under Article 146, which she claims is being misused to unlawfully remove her from office.
“I chose to respect His Excellency the President’s warrant of suspension, even though it was clear to me that it was not supported by the prima facie determination required by the Constitution and decisions of the Supreme Court,” she said.
She argued that the Constitution outlines a clear procedure for suspending a judge—one she insists was completely disregarded in her case. She warned that allowing such a precedent to stand poses a serious threat to judicial independence and the integrity of all constitutional offices.
“Behind me is every judge in the country. Behind me is every commissioner or head of an independent constitutional body. If this model of removal can be tried on the Chief Justice, it can be repeated with everyone,” she cautioned.
Justice Torkornoo emphasized that her opposition is not personal, but rooted in her responsibility as head of the judiciary to defend constitutional order and the rule of law.
“I cannot share the burden of those behind this effort by remaining silent about the violations of law, rules, and due process,” said suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, as she publicly defended her decision to resist pressure to resign or retire.
Speaking with firm resolve, she added, “Nor can I ease their burden by stepping down instead of standing firm and proving that not a single one of the outrageous allegations in these petitions has any basis in truth.”
Justice Torkornoo expressed unwavering confidence in her record, asserting that throughout her more than 20 years on the bench, no one has credibly accused her of corruption.
“This is the personal treasure of integrity that I live with,” she said.
She characterized the suspension and the circumstances around it as a calculated effort to oust her without legal justification. While she has complied with the process, she made clear that she does not accept its legitimacy.
“I do not choose to hide from the nation that perversion of law, rules, and due process are driving the proceedings,” she stated. “I choose to trust that such darkness will not totally engulf this nation.”
She ended her remarks with a powerful call to the country’s conscience, warning that remaining silent in the face of such actions could carry grave consequences for Ghana’s democratic institutions.
