Kadjebi: Residents of Kadjebi in the Oti Region have expressed mixed reactions to the recent removal of Chief Justice (CJ), Madam Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkonoo, from office.
According to Ghana News Agency, while some residents described the decision as politically motivated and a troubling precedent, others argued that it was a necessary step following allegations of misconduct against her.
Mr. Gabriel Agbesi, a teacher in Kadjebi, stated that the decision was in ‘bad faith’ and warned it could set a dangerous precedent. ‘This is the first time in the Fourth Republic that such a thing has happened. If care is not taken, successive governments may follow suit and misuse this process,’ he cautioned.
Others, however, supported the move. Mr. John Asimah, a tailor, said he supported the removal, insisting that the Chief Justice had misconducted herself and needed to be held accountable.
Offering a more moderate view, Ms. Georgina Amankwa, a trader, acknowledged that misconduct should not be condoned but criticized the manner in which the removal was carried out. ‘Even if she did something wrong, the way she was handled and embarrassed was not right,’ she said, adding, ‘This is not the time Ghana should be focusing on unnecessary issues. We should concentrate on how to develop the country.’
The reactions in Kadjebi reflect the broader national debate about judicial independence, accountability, and political influence. A press release dated September 1, signed by Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, announced that President John Mahama had removed the Chief Justice from office with immediate effect in accordance with Article 146 (9) of the 1992 Constitution.
This followed the submission of a report by a five-member Committee of Inquiry set up by the President to investigate allegations of misconduct against the CJ. The Committee, chaired by Mr. Gabriel Scott Pwamang, a Justice of the Supreme Court, sat for four months before presenting its findings.
The process was triggered by a petition submitted to the President by Mr. Daniel Ofori, a Ghanaian citizen, in line with Article 146 (1) of the Constitution.