We’ll all regret this – Elizabeth Ohene on Torkornoo’s removal

Veteran journalist and former Judicial Council member Elizabeth Ohene has strongly criticised the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, calling it a “short-term, high-handed enterprise” that threatens the foundations of Ghana’s democracy.

In a sharply worded opinion piece titled “The Third Arm of Government” on Monday, September 8, Ohene warned that “Something tells me we shall all live to regret this short-term, high-handed enterprise”.

She revealed that some within the judiciary supported Torkornoo’s removal, claiming she was “too hard”.

But Ohene cautioned that the consequences go far beyond one individual.

“Today, it is Gertrude Torkornoo being tossed out, but in truth, the entire judiciary, the Third Arm of Government, has been fatally undermined.

Drawing from her experience on the Judicial Council, Ohene expressed deep concern over both the process and the justification for Torkornoo’s removal.

She recalled a past incident where Torkornoo informed the Council of an audit finding related to airline ticket purchases.

“I was startled,” Ohene wrote, noting that the Judicial Council had previously held extensive discussions on judges’ travel entitlements.

She questioned how this issue could later be weaponised.

Ohene also cast doubt on the petition by Daniel Ofori, which reportedly triggered the removal.

“Of the 21 items listed in the petition, I recognize over 10 as issues that were already thoroughly addressed by the Judicial Council.”

On accusations about judicial appointments and administrative decisions, she asked, “How do such matters now serve as evidence of bias or misconduct?”

She accused authorities of applying double standards, arguing that similar audit findings would never be used against the President or Speaker of Parliament.

Ohene emphasised the importance of protecting the judiciary’s independence, calling for internal resolution of judicial matters rather than public political spectacle.

Though Judicial Council deliberations are typically confidential, Ohene defended her decision to speak out.

“If I’m breaking any rules by sharing what I know from my time on the Council, so be it. These are extraordinary times. It’s not every day a Chief Justice is removed.”

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