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• September 2, 2025
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE_02 September 2025

ECONOMIC FIGHTERS LEAGUE STATEMENT ON THE REMOVAL OF CHIEF JUSTICE GERTRUDE TORKONOO

The Economic Fighters League has taken note of the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo pursuant to the procedures outlined in Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution. While we recognise the constitutional basis of this action, it is imperative to interrogate the broader implications for judicial independence, constitutional governance, and public trust in the judiciary.

The tenure of Chief Justice Torkornoo was marked by jurisprudential controversies that significantly undermined public confidence in the Supreme Court. Notably, while the Court demonstrated remarkable expedition in granting a stay of execution in the matter concerning the declaration of vacant seats in Parliament, it failed to accord similar urgency to the longstanding disenfranchisement of the people of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL). For four years, Ghanaians entitled under Article 17(1)–(3) to equal protection and participation in governance were denied representation in Parliament — an omission which constituted a grave affront to both the Constitution and the principles of democratic accountability.

This selective application of judicial urgency has led to the perception, and in many respects the reality, of a judiciary that is not impartial but rather aligned to the narrow interests of the Executive. The outcome has been the erosion of public faith in the courts as the final arbiter of justice.

While we do not celebrate the personal misfortune of any public officer, the circumstances surrounding the removal of the Chief Justice underscore a cautionary lesson; when judicial office is employed as an instrument of political expediency rather than constitutional fidelity, the authority of that office is invariably compromised.

We therefore call for:

1. Full publication of the committee’s report leading to her removal, in order to ensure transparency and accountability in the process.

2. Institutional reforms guarantee that the judiciary remains insulated from partisan capture and that judicial decisions are rendered solely in fidelity to the Constitution and the rule of law; and

3. The right of the expunged Chief Justice to challenge the allegations of the petition for her removal be duly protected.

The strength of Ghana’s democracy rests upon the independence and integrity of its judiciary, the legislature, and the executive. It is incumbent upon us all to ensure that never again shall constitutional protected rights be sacrificed for partisan advantage.

Forward Ever, Backwards Never.

Revolutionary Regards,

Economic Fighters League