Former Deputy Attorney General Alfred Tuah-Yeboah has expressed sadness but little surprise over President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office.
The action, which took place today, September 1, 2025, has been described by Mr Tuah-Yeboah, who served under the erstwhile Akufo-Addo administration, as an “unholy assault on the independence of the judiciary” that sets a dangerous precedent for the future.
The President’s decision followed the recommendation of an Article 146 Committee, a body established under Ghana’s constitution to investigate petitions for the removal of a Chief Justice.
A petition filed by citizen Daniel Ofori provided the grounds for the inquiry, with the committee ultimately finding “stated misbehaviour”.
Speaking on the matter, Mr Tuah-Yeboah warned during an interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse that the outcome has far-reaching consequences for the judiciary.
“I’m sad because this is an unholy assault on the independence of the judiciary. This has a far-reaching consequence moving into the future,” he stated. “This goes to buttress the point that whoever fits in as a chief justice from today should also be thinking about the future implications. If you sit in that office, the possibility of flimsy petitions being used to remove you is very high.”
Mr Tuah-Yeboah further revealed that he was not surprised by the development, noting that it was the fulfilment of a campaign promise by President Mahama.
“I’m not surprised because this one is in fulfilment of a campaign promise. This is a clear case where a political actor, before elections, campaigned on the promise to remove a chief justice; upon assuming office, had some people file for the removal, and today the result. That’s why I’m sad but not surprised,” he said.
The removal of the Chief Justice marks a historic moment in Ghana’s Fourth Republic, highlighting the political tensions that can influence the constitutional process of removing a Superior Court Justice.
The development also rekindles debates about judicial independence and the checks and balances between Ghana’s executive and judicial arms of government.