Gyampo pleads with Mahama to grant Torkonoo entitlements

Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Professor Ransford Edward Van Gyampo, has appealed to President John Mahama to grant dismissed Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo her full entitlements.

Speaking on TV3’s KeyPoints on Saturday, October 18, 2025, Prof. Gyampo said his plea was based on humanitarian considerations, even though the current legal framework may not explicitly allow such a gesture.

The political science lecturer at the University of Ghana acknowledged that Justice Torkornoo’s refusal to heed repeated calls to resign may have cost her certain benefits. However, he believes compassion should prevail in this instance.

“Based on humanitarian grounds, I appeal to President Mahama to pay Torkornoo her entitlements despite pointless conduct and ill advice from her lawyers,” Prof. Gyampo said, emphasizing the need to temper justice with mercy.

He further explained that while the law must take its course, it is equally important for the state to demonstrate empathy, especially toward a person who has served the judiciary at its highest level.

“We can uphold justice without losing our sense of humanity,” he added.

His appeal follows Justice Torkornoo’s recent legal action seeking to halt the vetting and appointment of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as Ghana’s next Chief Justice.

The former head of the judiciary has petitioned the High Court to nullify all proceedings of the Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang Committee, which investigated her conduct and recommended her removal.

In her application, Justice Torkornoo argues that the committee’s work, as well as the Presidential Warrant authorizing her dismissal, are unconstitutional and void. She contends that due process was not fully observed in her removal process.

President Mahama dismissed Justice Torkornoo on September 1, 2025, acting on the recommendations of the Article 146 committee after consulting the Council of State.

The committee found her guilty of misconduct, including the misuse of public funds and breaches of constitutional obligations.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, who has served as Acting Chief Justice since April 22, 2025, was nominated in September to assume the position substantively and is awaiting vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee.