Sophia Akuffo’s Criticism of Torkornoo’s Removal ‘Reasonable’ – Kofi Bentil

“They [the allegations] lack the gravity that will lead to a grave outcome such as the removal of the head of an institution of justice. I pray to God that no Chief Justice, no Judge should go through this rigmarole again,” she stated.

The Council of State member lamented that the removal had weakened the judiciary and tarnished the dignity of the office of the Chief Justice.

A Flawed Process?

According to Madam Akuffo, Justice Torkornoo was denied a fair process. She likened the procedure to a treason trial, insisting that it was unjustly conducted.

“She did not get a fair trial. Even though it is not a trial strictly speaking, it was handled as though it were a treason trial,” she said.

Her remarks come in the wake of heightened debate over President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to remove Justice Torkornoo on the recommendation of a committee established under Article 146 of the Constitution.

Support from Kofi Bentil

Reacting to the former Chief Justice’s comments in a Facebook post, IMANI Africa’s Kofi Bentil said her position reflected sound judgment.

He described her observation as a “reasonable conclusion,” aligning with concerns that the removal process lacked fairness and transparency.

The dismissal of Justice Torkornoo has sparked widespread debate about judicial independence, with critics warning that it sets a dangerous precedent for the country’s democratic institutions.