Gertrude Torkornoo: Resigning not an option amid probe

Suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo has firmly rejected calls for her resignation, describing it as an unacceptable option under the law and a betrayal of justice.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, June 25, she declared, “Resigning is not an option,” explaining that doing so would be seen as running from false allegations.

Torkornoo revealed that she has received veiled threats suggesting she would face harm if she didn’t step down voluntarily. “I’ve heard suggestions, even from well-meaning people, that I should resign to avoid the ordeal. I’ve also received threats, subtle and direct, that I’ll suffer if I don’t,” she said.

Defending Her Integrity

The Chief Justice said resigning mid-investigation would violate established legal precedent and result in the forfeiture of her entitlements. “A Judge under Article 146 proceedings cannot resign or retire midway. The Supreme Court has ruled on this in J6/02/2019,” she explained.

Torkornoo argued that resigning would allow the allegations to go unchallenged, leading to a double injustice, being judged unfairly and losing everything built over decades of service.

She added, “This isn’t about clinging to a title. I have served for 38 years as a lawyer and 21 as a judge. It is my duty to expose what I now see as a model of injustice I never thought possible.”

Alleged Political Targeting

Torkornoo echoed media commentary that her suspension appears to be politically motivated. “There’s talk of a political agenda to remove me and take control of the Judiciary. Some believe this hearing is nothing more than a charade,” she noted.

Despite this, she vowed to defend her name and the rule of law through all legal and professional means available.

Legal Background

President John Dramani Mahama suspended Chief Justice Torkornoo after determining a prima facie case had been established in three petitions filed against her. This was done under Article 146(6) of the Constitution, in consultation with the Council of State.

A five-member committee was formed to investigate the claims. It includes:

1. Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang – Chairman
2. Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu – Member
3. Daniel Yaw Domelevo – Former Auditor-General, Member
4. Major Flora Dalugo – Ghana Armed Forces, Member
5. Prof. James Sefah Dzisah – University of Ghana, Member

Torkornoo’s continued stance highlights what she believes is a critical fight for judicial independence and due process.