The Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has criticised the ongoing process to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, describing it as flawed and lacking fairness.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, June 27, 2025, he expressed concern over the committee’s decision not to provide the Chief Justice with a copy of the petition, arguing that it undermines the integrity of the process.
“It is an unfortunate situation that the very head of our justice administration is having to go through this. She should have everything necessary to defend herself. In the absence of that, I feel the process has been undermined, and it lacks integrity,” he stated.
The suspended Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, addressed the media on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, alleging that the process initiated for her removal violates fundamental principles of justice.
“Unfortunately, every step of the removal process against me is being done in a manner that breaks every rule on how justice is delivered,” she said.
She revealed that the committee has not served her with a copy of the petition seeking her removal, aside from the version she recited from the President.
“Witnesses do not know the allegations in the petition and so are unable to answer questions about the petition,” she added.
She further noted, “The proceedings are being treated like a litigation between the petitioners and me.”
Following the determination of a prima facie case in the three petitions asking for the removal of the Chief Justice, President John Dramani Mahama has suspended her and set up a five-member committee to inquire into the petitions.
The Supreme Court also unanimously dismissed her application for an interlocutory injunction against the committee set up by President Mahama to investigate her conduct.
In addition to rejecting her injunction application, the Supreme Court also unanimously struck out a supplementary affidavit filed by Justice Torkornoo.
The Court held that the affidavit disclosed confidential information that should have remained under wraps in accordance with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, which outlines the procedures for the removal of a Chief Justice or other superior court judge.
JKB/MA
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey