Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has criticised the process that led to the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, stating that her successor was not given a fair hearing.
In an interview with TV3 today, September 2, she condemned the dismissal, describing the proceedings as a “rigmarole” that set a dangerous precedent for Ghana’s judiciary.
Akuffo’s comments follow President John Dramani Mahama’s decision on September 1 to dismiss Chief Justice Torkonoo based on the recommendation of an Article 146 Committee.
The committee was established to investigate a petition for her removal on grounds of “stated misbehaviour.”
While the government maintained it was constitutionally mandated to act on the committee’s findings, the process has drawn widespread condemnation from legal and political figures.
In her critique, the former Chief Justice, who is also a Member of the Council of State, expressed her dismay at how the matter was handled.
“She did not get a fair trial,” Akuffo said. “Even though it is not a trial strictly speaking, it was handled as though it were a treason trial.”
She asserted that the allegations lacked the necessary seriousness to justify such a severe outcome.
“They lack the gravity that will lead to a grave outcome such as the removal of the head of an institution of justice.”
Akuffo’s strong words echo the sentiments of Chief Justice Torkonoo herself, who had earlier described the process as “cruel” and unconstitutional.
Other prominent legal voices, including former Deputy Attorney General Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, have also weighed in, calling the removal an “unholy assault on the independence of the judiciary” and a fulfillment of a campaign promise by the current administration.
The dismissal of the Chief Justice marks a historic and controversial moment in Ghana’s legal history. It has reignited a national debate about the integrity of constitutional institutions and the delicate balance of power between the executive and the judiciary.
The public and legal community are now watching to see how the judiciary will navigate this new chapter, with Akuffo offering a final plea: “I pray to God that no Chief Justice, no Judge should go through this rigmarole again.”
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Source: myjoyonline.com
