Former Deputy Attorney General, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, has condemned the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, describing it as an “unholy assault” on the independence of Ghana’s judiciary.
Speaking on Joy News on Monday, September 1, Mr. Tuah-Yeboah expressed concern over the precedent set by the decision, warning that it could expose future Chief Justices to politically motivated attacks.
“I’m sad because this is an unholy assault on the independence of the judiciary,” he said. “This has a far-reaching consequence moving into the future. Whoever fits in as a Chief Justice from today should also be thinking about the implications. If you sit in that office, the possibility of flimsy petitions being used to remove you is very high.”
Chief Justice Torkornoo was removed from office on September 1, 2025, by President John Dramani Mahama, following the recommendation of a committee established under Article 146 of the Constitution. The committee found that allegations of stated misbehaviour contained in a petition filed by a private citizen had been proven.
While government insists the process was constitutional and followed due process, critics like Tuah-Yeboah argue that political motives underpinned the move.
“I’m not surprised because this one is in fulfilment of a campaign promise,” he alleged. “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.”
