Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has sharply criticised the process that led to the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, describing it as a “travesty of justice” and a violation of constitutional norms.
According to him, the procedure adopted by the committee that recommended Justice Torkornoo’s removal lacked transparency, fairness, and adherence to due process.
“It is our (Minority’s) contention that the removal of Justice Torkornoo did not follow any constitutional procedure. Never should any Ghanaian be subjected to such a fate. The entire process was cloaked in unacceptably opaque circumstances,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
He cautioned that the development poses a serious threat to Ghana’s democratic principles and judicial independence if left unaddressed.
Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, appointed as Chief Justice in June 2023, became the first head of the judiciary to be removed under the Fourth Republic. Her removal followed a petition to President John Dramani Mahama and a recommendation by a special committee established under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
The move has triggered widespread debate within legal and civil society circles, with many questioning the fairness of the process.
Afenyo-Markin’s remarks come as the Appointments Committee of Parliament vets Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, who has been nominated to succeed Justice Torkornoo.
