Former Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security, Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, has called on the government to adopt a “mature and fair” approach in handling the status of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo following her removal as Chief Justice.
Dr. Boakye-Danquah emphasized that Justice Torkornoo should either be honourably retired or allowed to continue serving as a Supreme Court judge. He argued that dismissing her from both roles without due process would damage the integrity of Ghana’s judiciary.
“There is nowhere you can become a Chief Justice without first being a lawyer,” he noted. “So, if she’s been removed as Chief Justice, it doesn’t negate her position as a Supreme Court judge. You must make that distinction clearly and handle it maturely.”
Dr. Boakye-Danquah maintained that Justice Torkornoo’s legal career — which saw her rise through the ranks of the judiciary — warrants respect, even in her exit.
“If you want to retire her, do it honourably. But to remove her both as head of the judiciary and as a sitting judge is almost an injustice to her career and the judicial process,” he stated.
He warned that any attempt to force her out without a transparent and lawful procedure could erode public trust in the judiciary and threaten the principles of fairness and democratic governance.
“To maintain the health of our democracy and the integrity of our judiciary, you must handle this situation with maturity. Let her remain on the bench if you won’t retire her with dignity. That would reflect the strength of our democratic institutions.”
Meanwhile, former Director of the Ghana School of Law, Kwaku Ansa-Asare, has also urged President Mahama to ensure that Justice Torkornoo is retired in a respectful and lawful manner. He cautioned that removing her entirely from the bench could set a dangerous precedent and undermine the rule of law in Ghana.
