Ensure fairness, avoid political bias in CJ case – AIGS tells Government

The Africa Institute on Governance and Security (AIGS) has expressed deep concern over the ongoing constitutional process to remove Ghana’s Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, urging all stakeholders to ensure that the matter is handled with transparency, integrity, and full adherence to the rule of law.

In a statement released on Wednesday (23 April) and signed by Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, AIGS acknowledged the constitutional mechanisms provided under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, which outlines the procedure for the removal of senior judicial officers. However, the Institute warned that any deviation from due process could undermine public trust in the country’s democratic institutions.

“The independence of the judiciary is a cornerstone of democratic governance and a critical safeguard for the rights and liberties of all citizens,” AIGS noted. “Any process to remove a sitting Chief Justice must be conducted with the utmost integrity, free from political interference.”

The statement comes amid rising political tensions and legal challenges following the suspension of the Chief Justice by President John Mahama. The development has prompted reactions from civil society groups and legal observers, some of whom have raised concerns about possible executive overreach and the implications for judicial autonomy.

AIGS called on the Presidency, the Council of State, and all relevant authorities to ensure that allegations against Justice Torkornoo are “thoroughly and impartially investigated” and that she is granted the constitutional right to a fair hearing. The Institute stressed that the process must be evidence-based and insulated from partisan influence.

“Such high-profile proceedings must not only be fair but must be seen to be fair, in order to safeguard public confidence in the judiciary,” the statement said.

While reiterating its commitment to promoting good governance and democratic stability across Africa, AIGS pledged its support for efforts that strengthen the rule of law in Ghana. It also urged all parties to prioritise the national interest and to act in accordance with the principles of justice and fairness.

Read AIGS’s full statement below. 

Statement by the Africa Institute on Governance and Security (AIGS)
Date: April 23, 2025

The Africa Institute on Governance and Security (AIGS) expresses deep concern over the ongoing process to remove the Chief Justice of Ghana, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

While recognizing the constitutional provisions under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution for addressing matters of judicial accountability, we urge the Government of Ghana to ensure that all actions strictly adhere to due process, transparency, and the rule of law.

The independence of the judiciary is a cornerstone of democratic governance and a critical safeguard for the rights and liberties of all citizens. Any process to remove a sitting Chief Justice must be conducted with the utmost integrity, free from political interference, and in a manner that upholds public confidence in Ghana’s democratic institutions.

We call on all stakeholders, including the Presidency, the Council of State, and relevant authorities, to ensure that the allegations against the Chief Justice are thoroughly and impartially investigated, with full respect for her right to a fair hearing. The process must be transparent, evidence-based, and aligned with constitutional standards to avoid perceptions of politicization or erosion of judicial autonomy.

AIGS reaffirms its commitment to promoting good governance, accountability, and the rule of law across Africa. We stand ready to support efforts that strengthen democratic institutions and foster peace and stability in Ghana. We urge all parties to prioritize the national interest and uphold the principles of justice and fairness in this critical matter.

Signed,
Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah
Africa Institute on Governance and Security (AIGS)
Contact: info@aigsafrica.org

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