Suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo has publicly released the full contents of the three petitions filed for her removal, including a detailed petition by a group known as The Shining Stars of Ghana, led by Kingsley Agyei.
In the petition dated February 14, 2025, the group cites stated misbehaviour and incompetence as grounds for the Chief Justice’s removal. Their main allegations include:
Breach of Constitutional Procedure: The Chief Justice allegedly violated Article 144 by directly proposing the appointment of five justices to the Supreme Court—an act they claim exceeds her constitutional authority.
Violation of Natural Justice: The group also accuses Justice Torkornoo of presiding over the Afenyo-Markin v. Speaker of Parliament case without giving the Speaker an opportunity to respond—an alleged breach of the audi alteram partem principle, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing.
Read also: Suspended Chief Justice knows where to seek redress about threats against her – Kwakye Ofosu
The petition argues that such conduct undermines public confidence in the judiciary and warrants her removal from office.
But in her first public response on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, following her suspension, Justice Torkornoo dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, unfounded, and legally flawed.
She strongly defended her actions and warned against setting dangerous precedents that could compromise judicial independence.
“This is a carefully orchestrated attempt to remove me from office. I will not resign. I will defend my integrity through due process,” she stated.
Read Also: Full Text: Statement by suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo
She also confirmed that she has submitted formal rebuttals with evidence to the President and the appropriate authorities.
Read the full petition submitted by the Shining Stars of Ghana below:
Download PDF
