In a significant legal setback for Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, the Human Rights Division of the Accra High Court on Wednesday, July 31, dismissed her application for judicial review, describing it as an “abuse of court processes” and stating that it lacked jurisdiction.
The court’s ruling is the latest development in the ongoing legal and constitutional battle over petitions seeking her removal from office.
The term “abuse of court processes,” as cited by the High Court, generally refers to the misuse of legal procedures for improper purposes such as obstructing justice or delaying lawful proceedings. The ruling suggests the court viewed the Chief Justice’s application not as a legitimate constitutional challenge, but as an attempt to frustrate the established process for addressing the petitions against her.
This decision narrows the legal options available to Justice Torkornoo as she continues to contest the removal proceedings. Although the full written judgment is yet to be released, the court’s pronouncement offers a clear message: procedural challenges will not be allowed to derail constitutionally mandated processes.
Background to the Petitions
Chief Justice Torkornoo, who was sworn into office on June 12, 2023, as Ghana’s 15th Chief Justice and the third woman to hold the position, has been embroiled in a politically charged legal dispute since the submission of petitions seeking her removal.
Under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, such petitions are submitted to the President, who must then, in consultation with the Council of State, appoint a committee to investigate the allegations.
This is not the first court ruling against the Chief Justice in the matter. In May 2025, the Supreme Court unanimously dismissed an earlier application by Justice Torkornoo seeking an injunction to halt the investigative proceedings. That ruling effectively cleared the way for a five-member committee to proceed with its work.
Taken together, the dismissals by both the Supreme Court and the High Court signal the judiciary’s position that legal technicalities cannot be used to delay or block the constitutional process for investigating high-ranking judicial officials.
Chief Justice Maintains Innocence
Justice Torkornoo has strongly denied any wrongdoing and has repeatedly described the removal process as “flawed,”“unconstitutional,” and “politically motivated.” At a press conference on June 25, 2025, she vowed not to resign, stating that doing so would “legitimise an unconstitutional and cruel process.”
She further alleged that she had received “veiled threats” encouraging her to step down a claim that suggests behind-the-scenes pressure to avoid a formal investigation.
With the High Court’s dismissal, the legal and political spotlight remains firmly on the special investigative committee, whose findings could determine the future of Ghana’s top judge.
