“I’m a victim of a lawless removal process” – CJ Torkornoo

Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, has broken her silence over the ongoing petition for her removal, alleging serious breaches of her constitutional rights and raising questions about the integrity and transparency of the process.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday (25 June) Justice Torkornoo said she was compelled to speak publicly due to what she described as an escalation of procedural violations and intimidation that have marred the proceedings since their inception.

She revealed that she had petitioned the Supreme Court to compel the committee set up by President John Mahama to hold its sittings in public, citing constitutional concerns and a need to ensure transparency in light of the gravity of the allegations.

However, her request was rejected, and a supplementary affidavit highlighting violations of her human rights was struck out of the record at the request of the Attorney-General.

“I asked for a public hearing because I know the secrecy of proceedings for removing judges was not created in the Constitution to be used as a cover-up for any agenda,” she said.

“In my case, nothing in the petitions reflected weighty issues of national interest or public safety.”

Justice Torkornoo listed a series of concerns she says amount to violations of natural justice and due process. These include the committee’s initial refusal to recognise her legal counsel in her absence, the denial of her right to cross-examine key petitioners, and the lack of clarity on the specific charges she is to answer.

She also criticised what she called demeaning and unnecessary security procedures during the hearings, including personal searches and restrictions on family support. Of particular concern was the venue chosen for the hearings – the high-security Adu Lodge facility in Osu – which she described as both intimidating and historically significant.

“That location played a key role in the planning of the June 30th, 1981 murder of judges. One of those murdered, Major Sam Acquah, was my uncle and guardian,” she stated.
“I continue to hold the view that there is no reason to hold a quasi-judicial hearing behind the high walls of Adu Lodge.”

Justice Torkornoo said she believes the choice of venue and the secrecy surrounding the process were intended to isolate and psychologically unsettle her.