Former Deputy Attorney General Alfred Tuah-Yeboah has expressed sadness, but little surprise, over President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office.
The action, which took place on September 1, 2025, was described by Mr. Tuah-Yeboah, who served under the Akufo-Addo administration, as an “unholy assault on the independence of the judiciary” that sets a dangerous precedent for the future.
The President acted following the recommendation of an Article 146 Committee, established under Ghana’s Constitution to investigate petitions for the removal of a Chief Justice. A petition filed by citizen Daniel Ofori formed the basis for the inquiry, with the committee ultimately finding “stated misbehaviour.”
Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse, Mr. Tuah-Yeboah warned that the outcome has far-reaching consequences for the judiciary. “I’m sad because this is an unholy assault on the independence of the judiciary. This has far-reaching consequences moving into the future,” he said. “Whoever sits in that office should also be thinking about the future implications. The possibility of flimsy petitions being used to remove you is very high.”
He added that he was not surprised by the development, noting it fulfilled a campaign promise by President Mahama. “This is a clear case where a political actor, before elections, campaigned on the promise to remove a Chief Justice; upon assuming office, had some people file for the removal, and today the result. That’s why I’m sad but not surprised,” he said.
The removal of Chief Justice Torkornoo marks a historic moment in Ghana’s Fourth Republic, highlighting the political tensions that can influence the constitutional process of removing a Superior Court Justice, while also rekindling debates about judicial independence and the checks and balances between Ghana’s executive and judicial arms.
Source: MyJoyOnline
ALSO READ:
