Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has strongly criticized the removal of her successor, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, from office by President John Dramani Mahama, describing the process as unjust and damaging to Ghana’s judiciary.

In an exclusive yet-to-be-aired interview with TV3 on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, Justice Akuffo, who also serves on the Council of State, argued that the allegations leveled against Justice Torkornoo were not serious enough to justify her dismissal.

According to her, the process lacked fairness and subjected the former Chief Justice to unnecessary humiliation.

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

She further noted that the proceedings were conducted in a manner that resembled a treason trial, rather than an inquiry into administrative misconduct.

“She did not get a fair trial. Even though it was not strictly a trial, it was handled as though it were a treason case,” she added.

Justice Gertrude Torkornoo was officially removed from office on Monday, September 1, 2025, following recommendations from an Article 146 Committee set up to investigate petitions against her.

Sophia Akuffo’s comments add to the growing national debate on the fairness of the process, the independence of the judiciary, and the implications of Torkornoo’s removal on Ghana’s democratic institutions.