Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo on Tuesday 25th June 2025 broke her silence over mounting calls for her removal, stating categorically that the petitions filed against her have not been admitted as evidence or subjected to cross-examination, and therefore remain unproven.
In an unprecedented press conference the first by a sitting Chief Justice under such circumstances she challenged the credibility, motivation, and timing of the three formal petitions seeking her suspension, calling them a coordinated attempt to tarnish her image and undermine the independence of Ghana’s judiciary.
“The petitions have not been admitted into evidence nor subjected to any form of cross-examination,” Justice Torkornoo emphasized. “Yet narratives are being spun, creating the impression that my removal is a foregone conclusion.”
The Chief Justice further revealed that she has been subjected to threats both direct and veiled aimed at her into resigning. She shared that some well-meaning individuals have privately advised her to step down in the face of what they describe as a politically orchestrated effort to oust her from office.
“I have heard from loved ones, concerned citizens, and even strangers who believe it would be best to resign or retire rather than face a process that appears engineered to remove me. I’ve also received threats that harm would come to me if I refuse to step down,” she disclosed.
Despite the pressure, Chief Justice Torkornoo stood firm in her decision not to resign. She described such an act, while proceedings under Article 146 are ongoing, as legally impermissible for any judge or public official. She cited a Supreme Court precedent affirming this stance.
She also took time to address specific allegations in one of the most prominent petitions, filed by Mr. Daniel Ofori. According to her, only two of the numerous claims made by Mr. Ofori directly involve him as a court user.
In one claim, Ofori accuses the Chief Justice of improperly transferring his case from one High Court judge to another — a move he alleges was unjust and manipulative. Chief Justice Torkornoo clarified that the transfer was necessitated by a personal emergency involving the original judge, who had to leave the country for an extended period. The case, she said, was reassigned in accordance with established court procedures.
chief justice revealed her petitions claims
In the second claim, Ofori alleges bias in the reassignment of a related case. The Chief Justice explained that consolidating cases with similar parties and issues under a single judge is a long-standing legal principle designed to prevent conflicting judgments — a fact any experienced lawyer or court registrar would affirm.
“I had no interest in the outcome of Mr. Ofori’s case, and my actions were in full compliance with judicial procedure. I am not a criminal, not a thief, not a fraud. I am an honest person who does her job with integrity,” she declared.
Reaffirming her dedication to the rule of law, Chief Justice Torkornoo noted her 38 years as a legal practitioner, 21 years as a judge, and her current stewardship of the country’s judiciary. She described the ordeal as “a model of injustice” she never imagined possible in Ghana’s legal framework — yet one she is determined to face head-on.
“I do not cling to titles. But I owe it to justice, to the people of Ghana, and to the truth, to see this through. I have nothing to hide.”
The Chief Justice’s bold address sends a powerful message amid growing public scrutiny of Ghana’s judicial independence. Her decision to confront the allegations publicly marks a significant moment in Ghana’s legal and political history, with implications likely to ripple far beyond the courtroom.
Source-Esther Amankwah
