Suspended Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, has declared that resignation or voluntary retirement is not an option, as calls for her to step down continue amid an ongoing investigation into three petitions seeking her removal.
She made this statement at a press conference on Wednesday, June 25, 2025—her first public appearance since her suspension on April 22.
Justice Torkornoo acknowledged that there have been appeals from family members, associates, and well-meaning Ghanaians—some of whom know her only because of her office—urging her to consider resignation. However, she said stepping down would appear as though she is fleeing from the allegations, which she finds unacceptable.
“Let me assure everybody that I do not seek to cling to a title or position. However, as a lawyer of 38 years’ standing, a Judge of 21 years’ standing, and Chief Justice of Ghana who has served in the rule of law all of my working life, I consider it my onerous duty and obligation to speak up concerning the administration of justice in this country.”
She continued: “The situation I have been confronted with has shown me a model of injustice that I would never have thought possible if I had not been exposed to it. This is why, despite great personal discomfort, I have decided to marshal every effort, in law and leadership, to answer to this situation.”
Justice Torkornoo also pointed out that resigning or retiring while Article 146 proceedings are underway is not only inappropriate but legally impermissible.
“Furthermore, resigning or retiring while Article 146 proceedings are being conducted to remove a judge is not an option any judge or public official is even allowed to have. There is a decided case on the subject by the Supreme Court. The suit number is J6/02/2019.”
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