Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has raised concerns over the justification for the dismissal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, arguing that the allegations leveled against her were not serious enough to warrant such a drastic move.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with TV3, Sophia Akuffo—who also serves as a member of the Council of State—criticised the procedures leading to Torkornoo’s removal, describing the process as an unnecessary “rigmarole.”
“The allegations do not carry the kind of weight that should result in the removal of the head of an institution of justice,” she said during the interview on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
Justice Torkornoo was dismissed by President John Dramani Mahama on Monday, September 1, in line with Article 146(9) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. The decision came after a committee, constituted under Article 146(6), recommended her removal following an investigation into a petition filed by a private citizen, Mr. Daniel Ofori.
A statement from the Presidency, signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu—Minister for Government Communications and Spokesperson to the President—stressed that the President was constitutionally obligated to act upon the committee’s findings.
The dismissal took effect immediately.
