Justice Torkornoo forfeits benefits after refusing to step down – Anokye Frimpong

Legal practitioner and historian Yaw Anokye Frimpong has revealed that Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has lost her full benefits, including 22 years of pension, due to her refusal to resign before her removal from office.

Speaking on the GTV Breakfast Show, Mr. Frimpong said Chief Justice Torkornoo’s decision not to resign has cost her all her pension benefits.

“She doesn’t even get what she was entitled to from a lower rank for her 22 years of service. That’s why, in the very beginning, it’s often advised to tender your resignation. If you do, you can fight for your entitlements later,” he explained.

He emphasized that Chief Justice Torkornoo could have safeguarded her benefits had she resigned before her removal. “When you resign, before a decision is taken against you, you leave with all your entitlements,” Mr. Frimpong stressed, noting that several people advised her to step down, but she declined.

President John Dramani Mahama suspended the Chief Justice on April 22, 2025, after a prima facie case was established following three petitions.

A five-member committee, approved by the Council of State under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, later confirmed allegations of misuse of public funds, including travel benefits extended to her husband and daughter.

Following her dismissal, Mr. Frimpong urged constitutional reforms, stressing: “The whole nation will have to sit up and call for the amendment of Article 146 to ensure that there is no political column.”

President John Dramani Mahama has, in accordance with Article 146(9) of the 1992 Constitution, removed the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkonoo, from office with immediate effect.

This follows receipt of the report of the Committee constituted under Article 146(6) to inquire into a petition submitted by a Ghanaian citizen, Mr Daniel Ofori. After considering the petition and the evidence, the Committee found that the grounds of stated misbehaviour under Article 146(1) had been established and recommended her removal from office.

Under Article 146(9), the President is required to act in accordance with the committee’s recommendation.