Suspended Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, has criticised the handling of the proceedings against her, citing what she described as “escalating violations” of due process and the rules of natural justice.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, Justice Torkornoo broke her silence and expressed grave concern over the conduct of the committee tasked with investigating the petition that led to her suspension.
“I have decided to make this statement today because the violations have not stopped. Indeed, they have escalated beyond anything I could have imagined as possible in justice delivery,” she stated.
One of her key grievances was the committee’s refusal to acknowledge her legal representation during the initial hearing, citing her absence from the session.
“These violations include the committee’s refusal, in breach of the rules of natural justice, to recognise my lawyer on the first day of proceedings simply because I was not personally present with him. And they went ahead to make arrangements for the hearing without involving my lawyer, while he was sitting in front of them,” she said.
She also criticised the committee for failing to disclose the specific charges she is expected to respond to—a move she described as a fundamental denial of her right to prepare an adequate defence.
“The committee has also failed to indicate the specific charges that I am supposed to be defending myself against, in order to allow me to adequately prepare a defence.”
In addition, Justice Torkornoo accused the committee of permitting two of the petitioners—identified as Mr. Daniel Ofori and Shining Stars—not to testify or present any case at the hearing, raising further concerns about procedural fairness.
She further alleged personal indignities, including being barred from entering the hearing room with family members and being subjected to invasive security checks.
“The committee has refused to allow me to go into the hearing with any family member. Before you enter, there is a thorough search of my body and handbag, in violation of protocols and courtesies extended to any Chief Justice, which are honoured in the name of the nation both in Ghana and outside of Ghana,” she lamented.
Justice Torkornoo was suspended on April 22, 2025, by President John Mahama, following three petitions which, upon advice from the Council of State, were found to warrant further inquiry. A five-member committee was subsequently established under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution to investigate the matter.
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