Targeted because she’s a woman – Gloria Ofori-Boadu on Chief Justice Torkornoo’s suspension
Ofori-Boadu argued that the petitions leading to the suspension of the Chief Justice are not only “frivolous” but also driven by a deep-rooted discomfort with a woman occupying such a powerful position
- “How many times do women have the opportunity to rise to the top? We hardly do. So, why do we hound and harass the very few who do?”
The lawyer and women’s rights advocate Gloria Ofori-Boadu has condemned the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, describing it as a politically motivated attack on judicial independence and a blatant act of gender discrimination.
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Friday (25 April) in response to a statement issued by the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Ghana, Ofori-Boadu argued that the petitions leading to the suspension of the Chief Justice are not only “frivolous” but also driven by a deep-rooted discomfort with a woman occupying such a powerful position.
“I see the suspension as an attempt by the state to capture the independence and impartiality of the judiciary, which is guaranteed under our constitution,” she said.
“We realise that it’s simply because she’s female. When you are female and you are able to get to the top, it’s a very hard struggle. There are all these gentlemen who think they are better suited to have that position.”
“Deserve contempt”
Reacting to a suggestion that the state’s response to the petitions against the Chief Justice can be compared to emergency services’ duty to respond even to prank calls, Ofori-Boadu argued that President Mahama should have dismissed the complaints against Chief Justice Torkornoo outright, instead of initiating a process that threatens judges’ autonomy.
“If the state didn’t want to capture the independence and impartiality of the judiciary, the president should have treated these petitions with the disdain and contempt they deserve,” she said.
She warned that the decision to suspend the Chief Justice could set a dangerous precedent, turning the judiciary – meant to be an impartial referee – into a “partisan appendage” of the state.
Beyond judicial interference, Ofori-Boadu raised the alarm over a memo, reportedly issued by the new, acting chief justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, directing that all new cases pass through his office to be assigned to judges.
The directive, she said, has unsettled many in private legal practice and could be the first step in centralising judicial control.
“Some of us have not slept. We are wondering what is happening. Are these the first steps of a plan to stifle independence, freedom of speech and access to justice in this country?” she asked.
Blow to affirmative action
Ofori-Boadu called for urgent reforms to the constitution and encouraged the current constitutional review committee to revisit the 1,000-page report produced during the 2011 review process. Specifically, she urged the committee to focus on gender inclusivity and measures to safeguard women in leadership from harassment and intimidation.
“How many times do women have the opportunity to rise to the top? We hardly do. So, why do we hound and harass the very few who do? Why do we try to chase them into oblivion by ridiculing and humiliating them?”
Citing examples from the UK and other liberal democracies, Ofori-Boadu argued that Ghana must adopt transparent, non-partisan systems such as the UK’s Judicial Appointments Commission to avoid political interference.
She also criticised the Ghana government’s commitment to gender equity, saying the suspension of Chief Justice Torkornoo undermines the spirit of the new Affirmative Action Act and contradicts the promises of inclusivity.
“If the government truly wants to show commitment to affirmative action, then it must disregard these petitions and reinstate the Chief Justice.”
Finally, she appealed for public education to help citizens and policymakers understand the role of the judiciary in a liberal constitutional democracy.
“Touching the judiciary is a no-no. If we destroy the independence of the judiciary, we destroy the future of our democracy,” Ofori-Boadu said.
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