Stay calm, next administration can reinstate you — Ousted CJ Torkonoo told

Lawyer and human rights advocate, Gloria Ofori-Boadu, has advised former Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkonoo to remain calm and hopeful despite her removal from office.

She argued that at 62 years old, Justice Torkonoo still has about eight years before reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70, giving room for a future administration to reinstate her.

Speaking on Accra-based TV3’s New Day show on Thursday, September 4, Lawyer Ofori-Boadu further alleged that the processes that led to the ouster of the Chief Justice were flawed and the committee that handled the petitions was compromised.

“Since she’s only 62, she has eight years ahead of her. If there’s a new administration, then her situation could be looked at. Because three petitions came, and one of them cannot even be identified.

“I’m told there’s something called Shining Stars, whether it’s a human being, a ghost, or an alien, we haven’t located them. Yet the committee, which has already been alleged to be compromised, still went ahead,” she claimed.

She stressed that such anomalies cast doubts over the fairness of the process and could provide grounds for a review in the future.

“All these anomalies will guarantee that she’s reinstated. She should hold her peace. This whole anomaly will be expunged from our judicial history,” she stated.

Justice Torkonoo was removed as both Chief Justice and Justice of the Supreme Court by President John Mahama after a five-member committee completed its inquiry into a petition against her on September 1.

The probe committee cited three key findings, unlawful expenditure of public funds, abuse of discretionary power, and interference in judicial appointments, as the basis for her removal.