Suspended Chief Justice of Ghana, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, has firmly ruled out the possibility of resignation or voluntary retirement, despite mounting public pressure and an ongoing investigation into three petitions seeking her removal from office.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, June 25, 2025—her first public appearance since her suspension on April 22—Justice Torkornoo addressed the growing calls for her to step down.
She acknowledged that appeals had come from various quarters, including family members, colleagues, and concerned citizens—many of whom know her only through her position as Chief Justice. However, she emphasized that stepping down at this point would send the wrong message.
“Let me assure everyone that I am not clinging to a title or office,” she said. “But as a lawyer of 38 years, a judge for 21 years, and Chief Justice of Ghana, I feel a profound duty to uphold the principles of justice in this country.”
Justice Torkornoo described the events leading to her suspension as a deeply unsettling experience that has revealed a troubling example of injustice within the system.
“What I have witnessed is a model of injustice I never thought possible. This is why, despite the personal toll, I am committed to using every legal and leadership tool at my disposal to respond appropriately.”
She further explained that under Ghanaian law, stepping down during the course of Article 146 proceedings—the constitutional process for removing a judge—is not just improper but legally barred.
“Resigning or retiring while Article 146 proceedings are ongoing is not an option permitted by law,” she stated. “There is a Supreme Court decision on this matter—Suit No. J6/02/2019—which affirms that a judge under such proceedings cannot evade them through resignation or retirement.”
Justice Torkornoo concluded by reaffirming her commitment to justice and transparency, stating that she will remain fully engaged in addressing the allegations through lawful and constitutional means.
