'Only you can stop this assault on judicial independence' – CJ begs Supreme Court to halt impeachment process

Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has asked the Supreme Court for help. She claims there is a coordinated campaign to remove her from office.

She believes this attack threatens judicial independence in Ghana.

In a supplementary affidavit, she outlines events that violate her rights. These include her right to a fair hearing and dignity.

“This Honourable Court is my only protection,” she stated. “Only you can stop this assault on judicial independence.”

Justice Torkornoo argues that the inquiry against her violates due process. She feels she has been treated worse than those on trial for treason.

Her grievances are not just about the allegations but also the process. She says she hasn’t been informed of the legal basis for the case against her.

“How can I defend myself when I don’t know what I’m defending?” she asked.

She described how her lawyers were excluded from a key committee meeting on May 15th. The committee ignored them because she was not present.

When she appeared with her legal team on May 22nd, they mentioned her Supreme Court suit. The committee then adjourned and requested copies of legal filings.

However, by May 23rd, the committee announced it would proceed anyway. This was shocking since an injunction application was pending in the Supreme Court.

Worse still, petitioners were allowed to call external witnesses instead of testifying themselves.

“This is not just irregular; it offends basic rules of inquiry,” she argued. “Petitioners must be cross-examined.”

Justice Torkornoo described troubling treatment during hearings at Osu Castle, a high-security area. Her family was barred from entry, and they were denied access to phones and laptops.

Meanwhile, petitioners’ counsel moved freely with their devices.

“These actions are deliberate tactics to break me mentally,” she said. “They tarnish my office's dignity.”

She noted that previous removal proceedings occurred at the Courts Complex, which is appropriate for such matters. Moving to Osu Castle signals intimidation, according to her.

Calling the process a “mockery of justice,” she seeks an immediate halt through an interlocutory injunction.

“This is bigger than me,” she warned. “The security of every justice’s tenure is at stake.”