Former Deputy Attorney-General, Joseph Kpemka, has strongly criticised the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, warning that the decision sets a dangerous precedent for Ghana’s democratic future.
President John Dramani Mahama, on Monday, September 1, 2025, formally removed Justice Torkornoo from office in line with Article 146(9) of the 1992 Constitution. A statement from the Presidency explained that the action followed recommendations from a committee established under Article 146(6) to investigate a petition filed by a citizen, Mr. Daniel Ofori. The decision took immediate effect.
Speaking in an interview, Mr. Kpemka said the move did not come as a surprise to him, insisting it was politically motivated.“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 being well-orchestrated and well executed,” he remarked.
