“Handled Like a Treason Trial” — Former CJ Sophia Akuffo Warns Torkornoo’s Removal Will Ripple Through Judiciary

“Handled Like a Treason Trial” — Former CJ Sophia Akuffo Warns Torkornoo’s Removal Will Ripple Through Judiciary

Accra, Ghana — Retired Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has strongly criticized the process that led to the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, warning that the manner in which it was conducted could inflict lasting damage on Ghana’s judicial institution.

Speaking in a TV3 interview on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, Akuffo said:

“This has so weakened the institution of the judiciary… She did not get a fair trial. Even though it is not a trial, strictly speaking, it was handled as though it were a treason trial.”

The former Chief Justice, now serving on the Council of State, condemned the entire removal process as a “rigmarole” and expressed heartfelt concern for the precedent it sets in judicial governance:

“They (the allegations) lack the gravity that will lead to a grave outcome such as the removal of the head of an institution of justice. I pray to God that no Chief Justice, no Judge should go through this rigmarole again.”
Graphic OnlineMyJoyOnline

Reasons for removing Gertrude Torkornoo as Chief Justice have weakened Judiciary – Former CJ Sophia Akuffohttps://t.co/bRHuQnL89h pic.twitter.com/xAOzChO2yo

— DailyGraphic GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) September 2, 2025

Addressing media reports that she testified in support of Torkornoo before the investigative committee, Akuffo defended her decision:

“I’m not ashamed of testifying in her favour. I would do it again any day, anytime, anywhere… Why are those who testified for the respondents being thrown to the rabid dogs?”

Why This Matters