0
0 Suspended Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, has criticised the handling of the proceedings against her, citing what she describes as “escalating violations” of due process and the rules of natural justice.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, June 25, Justice Torkornoo broke her silence, expressing grave concern about the conduct of the committee tasked with investigating the petition that led to her suspension.
“I have decided to make this statement today because the violations have not stopped. Indeed, they have escalated beyond anything I could have imagined as possible in justice delivery,” she said.
Among the key grievances raised is the committee’s refusal to acknowledge her legal representation during the initial hearing, citing her absence from the session.
“These violations include the committee’s refusal, in breach of the rules of natural justice, to recognise my lawyer on the first day of proceedings simply because I was not personally present with him. And they went ahead to make arrangements for the hearing without involving my lawyer, while he was sitting in front of them,” Justice Torkornoo stated.
She further criticised the committee for failing to disclose the specific charges she is expected to respond to a move she described as a fundamental denial of her right to prepare an adequate defence.
“The committee has also failed to indicate the specific charges that I am supposed to be defending myself against, in order to allow me to adequately prepare a defence.”
In addition, Justice Torkornoo accused the committee of permitting two of the petitioners identified as Mr Daniel Ofori and Shining Stars not to testify or present any case at the hearing, raising further questions about procedural fairness.
She also alleged personal indignities, including a ban on family attendance and invasive security checks before entering the hearing room.
“The committee has refused to allow me to go into the hearing with any family member. Before you enter, there is a thorough search on my body and handbag in violation of protocols and courtesies extended to any Chief Justice, which are honoured in the name of the nation both in Ghana and outside of Ghana,” she stressed.
Justice Torkornoo was suspended on April 22, 2025, by President John Mahama, after three petitions prompted a prima facie determination, with the Council of State consenting and a five-member inquiry committee established under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
