Former Deputy Attorney-General, Joseph Kpemka, has strongly criticised the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, describing the decision as a calculated move that poses a threat to Ghana’s democratic stability.
President John Dramani Mahama, on Monday, September 1, 2025, announced the removal of Justice Torkornoo in line with Article 146(9) of the 1992 Constitution. The Presidency explained that the action followed the recommendation of a committee established under Article 146(6) to investigate a petition submitted by a Ghanaian citizen, Mr. Daniel Ofori.
The dismissal, according to the statement, took immediate effect.
Reacting on Channel One TV’s Akwatia Watch with Umaru Sanda Amadu, Mr. Kpemka said the development was politically motivated and carefully planned.
“I’m not surprised at all with the way things were done. Some of us foresaw that it was over, and indeed it is over. Right from day one, the idea has been that when the NDC wins power, the Chief Justice will be removed from office, and that has been done… Perfectly so, it’s been well-orchestrated and well-executed,” he stated.
The former Deputy Attorney-General warned that the move could set a troubling precedent for future governments, eroding public trust in the judiciary and weakening democratic institutions.
“What has happened will be the death of our democracy. It will be repeated,” he cautioned, urging a constitutional amendment to prevent similar actions in the future.
