The Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has called on a future government to review what he describes as the injustice allegedly meted out to former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo following her removal from office.
His remarks follow the ECOWAS Court of Justice’s decision on Wednesday, June 24, to dismiss all claims filed by Justice Torkornoo relating to her removal.
Reacting on Facebook on June 25, 2026, Mr. Ahiagbah described the ruling as disappointing and maintained that the circumstances surrounding the former Chief Justice’s removal deserved further examination.
“I sincerely hope that a future government will take all necessary steps to re-examine and address the clear injustice inflicted upon Justice Torkornoo. Ghana must not let this chapter close without accountability,” he said.
He argued that the events leading to her removal reflected a troubling moment for Ghana’s democracy and judicial independence, alleging that the process was rushed and politically driven, with constitutional safeguards ignored.
“We saw an unprecedented and hurried process against Chief Justice Torkornoo, with a committee whose conclusion seemed predetermined before its proceedings concluded, the deliberate public humiliation of one of the highest judicial officers in the land, and a brazen disregard for the constitutional safeguards designed precisely to protect the independence of our institutions,” he stated.
Mr. Ahiagbah further said the issue went beyond the former Chief Justice and raised broader concerns about institutional independence.
“This issue is not just about Justice Torkornoo as an individual. What we face is a pattern of executive conduct that systematically weakens institutions, intimidates independent-minded officials, and steadily consolidates political control over a branch of government intended to operate free of partisan interference,” he said.
He added that Justice Torkornoo’s legal challenge would be remembered as a significant moment in Ghana’s democratic history.
“Justice Torkornoo’s effort to defend her rights and her office will be remembered as a historic moment in Ghana’s democratic journey. It stands as an act of courage amid political persecution,” he noted.
He also urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant in protecting judicial independence, warning that weakening the judiciary would affect all citizens.
“A weakened judiciary risks not only political opponents but every citizen. Today, it’s Justice Torkornoo. Tomorrow, it could be you or your neighbour,” Mr. Ahiagbah cautioned.
Background
Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo filed applications at the ECOWAS Court of Justice seeking enforcement of her human rights over alleged violations of her right to a fair hearing under Ghana’s Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The case, filed in July 2025 through Nigerian lawyer Femi Falana SAN, challenged the legality of the process leading to her suspension and removal, including claims that she was not given adequate reasons for the prima facie determination against her.
She sought several reliefs, including declarations of rights violations, reinstatement, procedural reforms, and compensation for alleged moral and reputational damage.
