Legal luminary and former Director of the Ghana School of Law, Mr. Ansa-Asare, has made a bold call urging former President John Dramani Mahama to consider advocating for the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo if there are credible grounds that justify her removal from office.
Speaking in light of growing concerns over the judiciary and its perceived impartiality, Ansa-Asare emphasized the importance of maintaining public confidence in the judicial system. He stated that the judiciary must not only be independent but also be seen to be fair, transparent, and accountable to the people it serves.
“If there are valid and constitutional grounds for her removal, then the appropriate steps must be taken, including a possible suspension, to allow for a full and impartial investigation,” Ansa-Asare noted. “No one, not even the Chief Justice, is above the law.”
His comments come at a time when the judiciary in Ghana faces increasing public scrutiny, with several high-profile figures, including political leaders, raising questions about the conduct and decisions of some members of the bench. Former President Mahama, who has in the past expressed concerns about judicial independence and fairness, has been urged by Ansa-Asare to take a firm stance in defense of justice and constitutional order.
Ansa-Asare stressed that his call is not a personal attack on Chief Justice Torkornoo but rather a reminder that accountability is a cornerstone of democracy. According to him, should any allegations or complaints against her prove to have merit, then due process must be initiated to safeguard the integrity of the judiciary.
“The Constitution provides a clear path for addressing misconduct or incompetence in the judiciary. We must rely on those legal provisions to ensure fairness and justice, both for the accused and for the nation as a whole,” he said.
He further encouraged Ghanaians to remain vigilant and active in holding all arms of government accountable, adding that the judiciary, as the last line of defense for citizens’ rights, must always uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
As of now, there has been no official confirmation of a petition or inquiry into the conduct of the Chief Justice. However, Ansa-Asare’s statement is expected to reignite conversations around judicial reform, transparency, and the role of political actors in safeguarding democratic institutions.
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