By: Kwame Bediako
Suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has rejected calls for her to resign amid ongoing proceedings to remove her from office, warning that doing so would legitimise a politically motivated process.
In an address following her suspension by President John Dramani Mahama, Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo said she had received calls from loved ones and well-wishers to resign or retire, and revealed she had been threatened with unspecified consequences if she refused.
“I have heard on several locations from loved ones, persons who care, persons who may not know me beyond my personal, my public duties, and many who think that since these proceedings seem to be carefully staged to result in my removal as Chief Justice, it would be best if I just retired or resigned rather than subject myself to an ill-motivated process,” Justice Torkornoo said.
She further revealed the pressure she has faced, stating:
“I have also received threats, unveiled threats to the effect that if I fail to resign or retire voluntarily, I will be made to suffer some harm or other consequences. I’ve also heard commentaries in the media about how this process was born out of a stated political agenda to remove me and control the judiciary and that it is a political effort that can only result in an outcome that was decided long before it started.”
Despite the threats and public pressure, Justice Torkornoo expressed her commitment to justice and the rule of law.
“I thank everyone who has engaged in this conversation out of concern for my safety and well-being. Let me assure everybody that I am not seeking to cling to a title or a position. However, as a lawyer of 38 years standing, a judge of 21 years standing and Chief Justice who has served the rule of law all my working life, in fact since I was 25, it is my onerous duty and obligation to speak up concerning anything that is extremely wrong with the administration of justice in this country,” she affirmed.
One Response
The government trying to suspend her to retire,there should be a case or an act performed by her to suspend her from being the chief justice. Our motto says freedom and justice.No kululu,no kalala!!!!!