'The law is the law; and it's being applied to her' - Spio-Garbrah on suspended CJ's removal saga

Former Minister for Trade and Industry, Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, has commented on the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. He believes the law should apply equally to everyone, including top judicial officers.

His remarks come amid public debate about a closed-door inquiry. This inquiry involves three petitions seeking the Chief Justice’s removal. Justice Torkornoo has challenged this process's constitutionality and filed an injunction at the Supreme Court.

In an interview with JoyNews' Blessed Sogah in Abidjan, Dr. Spio-Garbrah emphasized respect for the legal process. He stated that even those at the top must adhere to it.

“As Chief Justice, we are implementing the law,” he said. “She says the law is the law—and so it is being applied to her.” He added that unless she proves otherwise, cited incidents must stand.

The Chief Justice has mentioned personal hardship and procedural issues in her challenge. However, Dr. Spio-Garbrah chose not to comment on her emotional state. Instead, he reflected on how people respond to adversity.

“It depends on how each individual responds to adversity,” he noted. “We all go through it—we lose loved ones or suffer accidents.” He said responses vary from person to person.

Regarding concerns about changing the hearing location, Dr. Spio-Garbrah stated that the government decides procedural arrangements. “The location where she expected the hearing wasn’t chosen by the government,” he explained.

On resignation, he stressed that it is a personal choice influenced by various factors. “A resignation is an individual decision,” he said. “One must weigh all available information.”

He also mentioned that high-ranking officials like Chief Justice retire with full salaries. Dr. Spio-Garbrah questioned why someone would stay in office if they could retire comfortably.

While not making direct accusations, he suggested staying might involve more than professional reasons. “If you’re going to retire on your salary, why worry about staying?” he asked.

He speculated that some may want to keep privileges associated with their position. However, he acknowledged that retirement still offers standard benefits and left her decision up to her judgment.