Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo has been given a 10-day window to respond to three petitions calling for her removal from office.
This follows a directive from President John Dramani Mahama, igniting widespread debate and concern over the future of the country’s judiciary.
The petitions, although shrouded in secrecy, challenge her conduct and raise questions about her continued suitability to hold the position.
The details of the allegations have not been disclosed to the public, leaving the Chief Justice in a precarious position as she faces a critical deadline that will determine the next steps in what could become a formal legal and constitutional process.
In the wake of the petitions, Chief Justice Torkonoo has voiced her concerns in a letter dated March 27 to President Mahama and the Council of State.
In the letter, she demanded access to the documents detailing the petitions, which have reportedly been circulating, even though the Presidency has confirmed their existence.
Torkonoo argues that the absence of these documents violates basic constitutional rights, particularly the right to a fair process.
She asserts that in accordance with the principles of common law and Ghana’s constitutional framework, a person facing potential removal from office should be fully informed of the charges or allegations against them.
She emphasized that the most fundamental precept of justice is that no decision affecting a defendant’s rights can be made unless they have been given notice of the charges and an opportunity to respond.
The Chief Justice’s demand for transparency has sparked further concerns about the integrity of the process, particularly regarding the degree of openness and fairness in handling such a serious matter.
The President and the Council of State now face a crucial decision: whether to comply with the Chief Justice’s request for the full disclosure of the petitions or proceed with the process in a way that could potentially undermine the principles of justice and transparency.
This development has highlighted not only the tension surrounding the future of the Chief Justice but also broader concerns about accountability within the highest echelons of Ghana’s judiciary.
The outcome of this situation could set a significant precedent for how such cases are handled in the future, impacting public confidence in the fairness and transparency of the legal system.
With the deadline for her response looming, all eyes are on Chief Justice Torkonoo, whose actions in the coming days could play a decisive role in determining whether the matter progresses to a formal inquiry and, ultimately, her fate as the country’s top judge. The unfolding situation will likely have lasting implications for the judiciary, the executive, and the wider political landscape in Ghana.
