Private legal practitioner, Yaw Anokye Frimpong
Private legal practitioner, Yaw Anokye Frimpong, has asserted that suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Esaaba Torkornoo missed the opportunity to resign honourably, thereby avoiding the ongoing controversy surrounding her removal process.
He described her decision to speak to the media and publicly address the petitions currently under investigation as “irresponsible and reckless.”
“Even in regular court cases, parties are not permitted to comment publicly or in the media,” he noted. “Such conduct can amount to contempt of court.”
Addressing claims that the Chief Justice was being threatened to resign or face harm and that resignation would result in the loss of her benefits, Frimpong countered, “That is not entirely true. If she resigns or had resigned, she would still be entitled to all her benefits. Only a dismissal on certain specific grounds can lead to the forfeiture of one’s entitlements.”
He emphasised that Justice Torkornoo has served for over 22 years, rising through the ranks from private legal practitioner to Chief Justice.
According to him, resignation would preserve her dignity, retain her benefits, and allow her to exit with honour, rather than risk humiliation or forced removal.
“When someone advises you to resign honourably, it is not a threat, it is an act of love meant to spare you public disgrace. If the committee finds grounds for her dismissal, that will mark the end of her public service career.
“She will have no sympathy and no chance of returning to public service. However, if she resigns voluntarily, it would not only preserve her legacy but also reflect poorly on the government, portraying it as having pressured the Chief Justice into stepping down.”
Frimpong further argued that Justice Torkornoo should have resigned immediately after President Mahama’s electoral victory, noting that her close ally, former President Akufo-Addo, who had previously dismissed petitions against her, would no longer be in a position to offer the same level of protection under the new administration.
As both a lawyer and a historian, he acknowledged that the suspended Chief Justice may have legitimate concerns but insisted that her decision to speak to the media and disclose sensitive details was a major legal misstep.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he said, “The suspended Chief Justice erred. She may indeed have genuine grievances, but going public was a blunder. Regardless of her frustrations, she has access to appropriate channels through which she can seek redress.”
Frimpong also condemned her decision to make accusations against the investigative committee, stating that it was unfair and unbalanced, as the committee members had no platform to respond.
“She appears deeply frustrated, not by poverty, but by the overwhelming nature of the situation. It also seems she lacks competent advisors or counsellors to help her manage the emotional and professional stress she is facing.”
He concluded by stating that Justice Torkornoo is fully aware of the seriousness of the allegations against her and, despite her public commentary, continues to appear before the investigative committee, further underscoring the gravity of the case.
