Dr. Hannah Louisa Bissiw Kotei
Dr Hannah Louisa Bissiw Kotei, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Women’s Organiser and Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo
According to the veterinary doctor and politician, the most honourable thing for the Chief Justice to do would have been to resign from her post.
President John Mahama, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Torkornoo.
According to a statement signed by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the suspension follows the establishment of a prima facie case against the Chief Justice by the President, in consultation with the Council of State, in relation to three petitions filed against Justice Torkornoo.
“President John Dramani Mahama has, in accordance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State, determined that a prima facie case has been established in respect of three petitions against the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo,” the statement, dated Tuesday, April 22, 2025, stated.
However, the NPP, which has vehemently condemned the President’s decision, has vowed to employ various strategies to compel him to rescind it.
Speaking at a party event in Accra on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, the National Organiser of the party, Henry Nana Boakye, stated that the NPP cannot stand by and allow such injustice to be perpetrated.
“Democracy is under attack. Our judiciary is under attack. Do not think that this attack is on the person of Chief Justice Torkornoo—no. It is the entire judiciary. Expect massive protests from us. We will agitate; we will not sit down quietly. This is unconstitutional.”
But speaking in an interview with Metro TV monitored by GhanaWeb, Dr. Bissiw Kotei stated that, in her view, the best course of action for the Chief Justice would be to leave office voluntarily.
“If I were the Chief Justice, I would have resigned based on issues of principle and dignity… I don’t think that she feels she should resign. But if it were Hannah Louisa Bissiw Kotei, I would have tendered my resignation out of respect for the country, respect for myself, dignity, and principle.”
She also countered suggestions by some critics that the President’s suspension of the Chief Justice shows that he dislikes women.
“To say that he [President Mahama] doesn’t like women—I think those who say so should reconsider. The Vice President is a woman. When he nominated the Vice President, who were the ones who attacked her? Who were those who went after Charlotte Osei? What were the words they used against her? Was she not a woman—or was she a he/she?” Bissiw Kotei asked.
I would have resigned if I were the Chief Justice- Dr. Hanna Louisa Bisiw#GoodAfternoonGhana #MetroTV pic.twitter.com/Udw7cFfKu6
— Metro TV Ghana (@metrotvgh) April 24, 2025
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