Former Chief Justice Sought Gertrude Torkornoo, the recently dismissed Chief Justice of Ghana, attempted to negotiate a retirement arrangement with full benefits before her removal from office, according to a senior legal figure in the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Speaking on TV3’s KeyPoints program on Saturday, Abraham Amaliba, a member of the NDC legal team, said Justice Torkornoo engaged two prominent intermediaries to appeal to President John Dramani Mahama for a dignified retirement with all associated entitlements.
“I can tell you on authority that Gertrude Torkornoo worked through some two eminent persons in this country,” Mr. Amaliba said. “They came to plead that she should be allowed to retire with all her entitlements.”
However, according to Mr. Amaliba, the effort was derailed when the Chief Justice opted to challenge the removal proceedings in court, effectively ending any potential for a negotiated exit.
“Somehow, when the discussion was ongoing, she went to court to fight her removal process,” Mr. Amaliba said.
The comments came in response to calls from another panelist, legal practitioner Ansa-Asare, who argued that Torkornoo should have been allowed to retire on “humanitarian grounds,” citing her 21-year service in the judiciary.
Justice Torkornoo’s dismissal on September 1 followed the recommendation of a five-member constitutional committee tasked with investigating allegations of misconduct. The committee, formed under Article 146(6) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, was established after a petition was filed by businessman Daniel Ofori.
The panel, chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, concluded that Justice Torkornoo had engaged in “stated misbehaviour,” including improper claims for public funds during personal travel. The committee found that she had unlawfully received per diem allowances for family members during official trips abroad—conduct it deemed inconsistent with the law and public policy.
Other members of the investigative body included former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Major Flora Bazaanura Dalugo of the Ghana Armed Forces, and Associate Professor James Sefah Dzisah of the University of Ghana.
President Mahama’s action was taken in accordance with Article 146(9), which obligates the head of state to implement the committee’s findings. A statement signed by Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed the immediate removal, emphasizing its constitutional basis.
Legal analyst Martin Kpebu noted that under Ghanaian law, a removal on grounds of “stated misbehaviour” results in the forfeiture of all retirement benefits. “Once you are removed for stated misbehaviour, it’s automatic—you lose all entitlements,” Mr. Kpebu said.
