Dear Justice Gertrude Torkornoo

Once again, the judiciary finds itself in the public eye, not for any failure to uphold justice or any judicial misstep, but due to what appears to be a troubling political manoeuvre. Since the era of Nkrumah, when a Chief Justice was removed under the cloud of a democratic crisis, we have not seen such direct pressure on the judiciary. Unfortunately, history has repeated itself, with you as its latest target.

To be clear, nothing in your tenure stands out as extraordinary beyond what your predecessors have done in service of the law and the Constitution. Yet today, the power of the executive is being directed toward your removal, not for cause, but seemingly out of political convenience. There is a growing perception that your impartiality and tenure are being questioned simply because of assumed partisan leanings. That alone is being used to justify an unprecedented course of action.

If, as rumoured, some of your colleagues are complicit in this effort, we must confront a sobering reality: the judiciary may be approaching its breaking point. Democracy, in such a state, becomes little more than a facade—its principles hollowed out by partisan interest. Since the inception of the 1992 Constitution, no political party has attempted to remove a sitting Chief Justice based on mere perceptions and unfounded allegations. However, barely two years into your tenure, the machinery to do just that is in motion, fueled by accusations that lack firm grounding.

Ironically, those who boast of advancing gender inclusion in governance are now poised to strip the judiciary of one of its most significant examples of female leadership. If this is allowed to stand, it will set a dangerous precedent. The judiciary will be drawn deeper into political battles, its reputation tarnished, and its independence severely weakened.

Removing a Chief Justice on partisan grounds threatens the foundation of our democracy. Future administrations may feel no obligation to respect appointments made by their predecessors. We risk not just your tenure but also the very principle of judicial independence.

This moment calls for reflection—not just by those in power, but by all who care about the rule of law and the integrity of our institutions.

Sincerely,
Isaac Ofori
Social Activist and Human Rights Advocate