POLITICS

Leaked letter shows Akufo-Addo started processes on petition for removal of Chief Justice Torkornoo

In December 2024, there were reports that the then President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, threw out a petition for the removal of the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, which led to criticisms of the former Head of State.

However, a leaked letter Akufo-Addo wrote to the then Council of State has shown that the former president did not dismiss the petition which was submitted to him by renowned US-based Ghanaian lawyer and scholar, Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare, widely known as Kwaku Azar.

The letter, which was shared by the Majority Leader of Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, on social media, showed that Akufo-Addo had started the required legal process for the removal of the Chief Justice.

It was indicated in the letter that Akufo-Addo had asked Justice Torkornoo to respond to the petition for her removal.

The Chief Justice responded to the petition, and the former president forwarded the response to the Council of State for their consideration.

“I write further to my letter, dated 18th December 2024, to you, forwarding a copy of the petition dated 17th December 2024 from one Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare. By a letter dated 20th December 2024, I forwarded a copy of the petition to the Chief Justice, in line with the rules of natural justice and the right to a fair hearing, for her response to the allegations made against her in the petition.

“By a letter dated 23rd December 2024, the Chief Justice submitted her response to the petition together with supporting evidence. I hereby forward a copy of the Chief Justice’s response and supporting documents for your consideration,” part of the letter reads.

The letter concludes, “I would be grateful for the Council’s expeditious views on this matter.”

The Majority Leader also captioned the document;

“My attention has been drawn to this record of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo when Hon Dame was with the Attorney-General’s Department.”

The former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Dame, had accused President John Dramani Mahama of violating the constitution and acting unfairly towards the Chief Justice by forwarding the petition to the Council of State without first notifying her of the allegations outlined in the petition.

Read the letter below:

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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