- Presidential staffer Beatrice Annan has pushed back against claims that the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo was politically engineered.
- Speaking on Channel One TV’s “The Big Issue,” she insisted the decision was not part of the Mahama administration’s agenda and urged critics to present evidence rather than speculation.
The controversy surrounding the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo continues to dominate public discourse, with the presidency now stepping in to clarify its position. Beatrice Annan, a senior staffer at the presidency, has dismissed allegations that the decision was politically motivated, stating that the matter was never a priority for President Mahama’s administration.
Her comments, made during a televised panel discussion on September 6, come amid growing criticism from opposition figures, legal experts, and civil society groups who argue that the process lacked transparency and could undermine judicial independence.
Annan pointed to the petitioner’s long-standing legal history with Justice Torkornoo, suggesting that the roots of the case predate the current administration. Businessman Daniel Ofori, who filed the petition, had previously clashed with the Chief Justice in court, fueling concerns about bias in future proceedings.
The presidency maintains that the removal followed constitutional procedures under Article 146, including a formal inquiry and committee recommendation. However, critics argue that the inquiry’s composition and conduct raise questions about fairness and due process.
As the debate intensifies, calls for legal redress and institutional reform are growing louder. Some MPs have urged Justice Torkornoo to challenge the decision in court, while others warn that the precedent could erode public trust in Ghana’s judiciary.
With the dust yet to settle, the case remains a flashpoint in Ghana’s democratic landscape—testing the balance between accountability and judicial autonomy.
