CJ removal process: Gertrude Torkonoo has ‘closed the door’ with her lawsuit — Ansa-Asare

A former Director of the Ghana School of Law, Kwaku Ansa-Asare

A former Director of the Ghana School of Law, Kwaku Ansa-Asare, says suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Esaaba Torkonoo may have jeopardised her chances of a return to office by filing a lawsuit challenging the ongoing removal process.

In a suit filed at the Supreme Court on Wednesday, May 21, Justice Torkonoo is seeking 16 reliefs, including an order to reverse her suspension and an interlocutory injunction to halt all proceedings of the five-member committee probing petitions for her removal.

She also prayed the apex court to restrain Justices Gabriel Scott Pwamang and Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu from participating in the process, citing concerns over their impartiality.

Speaking on Accra-based TV3 after the suit was filed, Mr Ansa-Asare noted that although the Chief Justice could have returned to her role if exonerated, the legal action has strained her relationship with the Executive.

“By bringing this action, she has closed the door. Before, the door had been slung shut, but the key was left hanging, so one day she could unlock it and return. But what she has done now—even if the petition fails—I don’t think she can ever work with the Executive again. It is a wrong move,” he said.

“The Chief Justice has shot herself in the foot by commencing this action. It is not good for her, not good for the country, and not good for our democracy,” he added.

Mr Ansa-Asare also criticised her choice of former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame as legal counsel, describing Dame’s emotional posture as unhelpful.

“I have cautioned and suggested that Godfred Dame should take a backseat and allow people who are less emotionally attached to handle the matter,” he said.