The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has launched a strong criticism of the committee that recommended the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, describing the process as a “travesty of justice” and a breach of constitutional procedure.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Afenyo-Markin said the decision to remove Justice Torkornoo was carried out in a manner that violated the principles of transparency, fairness, and due process.
“It is our 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,” he said.
The Minority Leader argued that the process lacked accountability and set a dangerous precedent for Ghana’s democratic and judicial integrity.
Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, who was appointed Chief Justice in June 2023, became the first head of the judiciary to be removed from office under Ghana’s Fourth Republic. Her removal followed a petition to President John Dramani Mahama and a subsequent recommendation by a special committee constituted under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
The decision has since triggered widespread public debate, with sections of the legal community and civil society organisations questioning the fairness and legality of the process.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s remarks come as the Appointments Committee of Parliament begins vetting Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, who has been nominated by President Mahama to replace Justice Torkornoo as Chief Justice.
His comments add to mounting calls for an independent review of the circumstances surrounding Justice Torkornoo’s removal and renewed debate over the balance between executive power and judicial independence in Ghana.
