Suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo has disclosed that she has been subjected to numerous threats demanding her resignation, warning that harm may come to her if she refuses.
Speaking at a press briefing,
the suspended Chief Justice Torkornoo shared, “I have received messages from family, friends, and others who may not know me beyond my public role. Many believe that since the current process appears designed to remove me as Chief Justice, it would be better for me to retire or resign rather than undergo what they see as a biased procedure.”
She further revealed that subtle threats to her personal safety have been made should she decline to step down voluntarily.
“I appreciate everyone who has expressed concern for my safety and well-being during this difficult time,” she noted.
Rejecting accusations that she is unwilling to relinquish her position, Justice Torkornoo highlighted her extensive career in law.
“With 38 years as a lawyer, 21 years as a judge, and service as Chief Justice, I have dedicated my life to upholding the rule of law. It is my solemn responsibility to speak out on issues affecting the justice system in Ghana.”
She described her experience as eye-opening, revealing “a form of injustice I never imagined possible until I faced it,” and pledged to “use every legal and leadership tool at my disposal to confront this challenge.”
The Chief Justice also clarified that, according to Ghana’s Constitution, judges cannot simply resign while Article 146 removal proceedings are ongoing.
She referenced the Supreme Court ruling in case J6/02/2019, stating, “The law is clear, no one has the right to abandon proceedings initiated by the State.”
She cautioned that resigning during the process would mean forfeiting her benefits and allowing unfounded allegations to go unanswered.
“A judge who resigns or retires during such proceedings loses all entitlements because they fail to defend themselves,” she explained.
“If false accusations are made against any judge, commissioner, or public official, the answer is not to resign or retire out of frustration, pressure, or fear,” she emphasized.
“Doing so only leads to two injustices; a verdict based on false claims and the loss of all one has worked hard to achieve’” she added.
Source: www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
