The National Communications Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Adu Gyamfi, has called for the resignation of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Torkornoo. Gyamfi alleges that the Chief Justice’s recent recommendations for judges to the Supreme Court are driven by “self-serving” interests rather than the country’s welfare.
In a letter dated May 30, 2024, addressed to President Nana Akufo-Addo, Chief Justice Torkornoo recommended the appointment of five justices to the Supreme Court. The recommended judges include Justice Angelina Mensah Homiah, Justice Eric Kyei Baffour, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, Justice Cyra Pamela C.A. Koranteng, and Justice Afia Asare Botwe.
Gyamfi contends that the Chief Justice’s actions go beyond procedural flaws. He argues that Torkornoo’s proposal of specific justices of her choosing raises concerns about conflicts of interest. As the Chairperson of the Judicial Council, which advises the President on nominations or appointments, Torkornoo should not be the same person influencing appointments based on her own criteria. Gyamfi believes this is reason enough for her to resign.
The NDC has accused both the President and the Chief Justice of colluding to shield current government officials from accountability after their terms end. The opposition party alleges that the Judicial Council initially resisted elevating five judges to the Supreme Court, only to be covertly overridden by the Chief Justice and the President.
