Ousted CJ Torkonoo weakened her case with desperation — Nana Yaa Jantuah

Presidential staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah has criticised former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, describing her conduct before her removal as one marked by vulnerability and desperation.

She argued that the former Chief Justice weakened her own image by the way she responded to the petitions and processes that eventually led to her exit.

Speaking on Accra-based TV3’s New Day show on Thursday, September 4, Nana Yaa Jantuah stated that Justice Torkonoo’s actions suggested she was seeking sympathy rather than relying on the law.

“So much vulnerability that at that point, as if she wanted to lean on somebody, and that is my problem with Justice Torkonoo. She came across as a weakling, but she is not. She showed too much vulnerability,” Nana Yaa Jantuah said.

She also faulted the former Chief Justice for taking her case to international bodies, including the ECOWAS Court and the Commonwealth Bar Association.

In her view, such moves, particularly the Bar’s ultimatum for her reinstatement, undermined the country’s sovereignty and dented the credibility of the local judiciary.

“For what reason she went to the ECOWAS Court, the Commonwealth Bar Association, which has no jurisdiction over us, was even an insult. That smacked of desperation, going all over the place, trying to get support instead of going through the process,” she said.

Nana Yaa Jantuah maintained that Justice Torkonoo should have allowed the judicial process to run its course instead of portraying herself as a victim.

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.