The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has strongly criticised the committee that recommended the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, describing the process as a “travesty of justice” and a violation of constitutional norms.
According to Mr. Afenyo-Markin, the procedure leading to Justice Torkornoo’s removal was fraught with irregularities and lacked transparency, undermining the integrity of Ghana’s constitutional democracy.
“It is our [Minority’s] contention that the removal of Torkornoo didn’t adhere to any constitutional procedure. Never should any Ghanaian suffer such a fate. The removal of Torkornoo was cloaked in unacceptably opaque circumstances,” the Minority Leader said.
He argued that the process did not satisfy the due process requirements under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, warning that such precedent endangers judicial independence and public confidence in state institutions.
Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, appointed Chief Justice in June 2023, became the first head of Ghana’s judiciary to be removed from office under the Fourth Republic. Her removal followed a petition submitted to President John Dramani Mahama and the subsequent recommendation of a special committee established under Article 146.
The decision has since generated widespread public debate, with members of the legal fraternity, civil society organisations, and political commentators expressing divergent views on the constitutionality and fairness of the process.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s remarks come as the Appointments Committee of Parliament begins vetting Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, the Supreme Court judge nominated to succeed Justice Torkornoo.
