Ex-Ghana School of Law Director Criticises Suspended Chief Justice Torkornoo for Public Comments Amid Ongoing Inquiry

 

Former Director of the Ghana School of Law, Mr. Kwaku Ansa-Asare has strongly criticised suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo for making public comments on the ongoing inquiry into her possible removal from office.

Describing her approach as wrong and unbecoming of the head of the judiciary, Mr. Ansa-Asare expressed concern about Justice Torkornoo’s decision to address the media while official proceedings are still underway and being held behind closed doors.

Speaking in an interview on JoyNews monitored by mrwoode.com the respected legal academic said the Chief Justice should have known that commenting on a matter under investigation especially one conducted in camera was inappropriate and could undermine the legal process.

Here we are the Chief Justice who knows or ought to know that when proceedings are being held in camera you do not rush to the court of public opinion to tell your side of the story. No, Mr. Ansa-Asare stated.

Chief Justice Torkornoo who was suspended in April 2025 by President John Mahama following advice from the Council of State recently broke her silence. At a press briefing on Wednesday, June 25, she raised serious concerns about the constitutional and procedural fairness of the process being used to investigate her.

She argued that the inquiry was flawed and politically motivated suggesting that the proceedings were designed to remove her without legal justification. She also criticised the committee for failing to inform her of specific charges and for allegedly preventing witnesses from testifying on her behalf.

However, Mr. Ansa-Asare maintained that such grievances should be addressed within the inquiry process not through media engagement. He advised that Justice Torkornoo must present her concerns directly to the five-member investigative committee chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Pwamang.

She must go back to the committee and whatever concerns she has she should express them there, Mr. Ansa-Asare said. Her lawyers must insist, We want you to record whatever our client is saying, but not turn to a press conference and share her frustrations expecting the public to support her.

He further emphasised that the Ghanaian public has no legal authority to influence the suspension or reinstatement of the Chief Justice. That power he said, rests solely with the President, who must act according to due process.

The public is not the President. The public cannot lift the suspension. The public cannot terminate the suspension. It is only the President who can do that in accordance with the processes laid down, he added.

Mr. Ansa-Asare acknowledged that Justice Torkornoo may be deeply frustrated, but insisted that personal emotions should not override the integrity of the judicial system.

This is yet another instance of a wrong approach from a musing Chief Justice. She is so frustrated,” he noted. But this frustration should be channelled properly through the right legal and constitutional channels.

Justice Gertrude Torkornoo’s suspension came after three separate petitions alleged abuse of power and misconduct in the handling of judicial matters. President John Mahama, acting on the advice of the Council of State appointed a five-member committee to investigate the claims.

Justice Torkornoo has denied any wrongdoing, stating that her integrity remains intact. This is the personal treasure of integrity that I live with, she said during her press conference.

She also raised concerns about Justice Gabriel Pwamang chairing the investigative committee, noting that he previously sat on a case referenced by one of the petitioners, which she believes could affect the fairness of the process.

As the inquiry continues legal experts and members of the public are closely watching the outcome which could have significant implications for Ghana’s judiciary and its commitment to the rule of law.