Veteran legal luminary and former Director of the Ghana School of Law, Kwaku Ansah-Asare, has made a heartfelt appeal to President John Dramani Mahama to lift the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, allowing her to take an honourable early retirement in light of recent developments.
Speaking passionately on TV3’s The Key Points on Saturday, June 29, Mr. Ansah-Asare described the current situation facing the suspended Chief Justice as emotionally draining and legally unjustifiable, urging the President to act in a manner befitting a ‘listening father of the nation.’
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“The President must invoke Article 146(11) of the Constitution and lift the suspension so she can exit honourably. This nation is witnessing an unfolding drama that is damaging our image internationally. We must stop it,” Ansah-Asare stated.
Mr. Ansah-Asare rejected the notion that Justice Torkornoo is bound to remain in her role until the investigation is concluded, arguing that Ghana’s labour jurisprudence, particularly the landmark Nyarko v. Bank of Ghana case, affirms that no worker can be forced to serve unwillingly.
“A contract of employment is not a contract of slavery. If she wants to exit, she must be allowed to. That’s the principle of freedom and dignity,” he declared.
He described Justice Torkornoo’s emotional press conference—where she expressed anguish over the psychological toll of the investigation—as a clear sign that she is suffering and deserves relief.
Despite her suspension, Ansah-Asare reminded the public that Justice Torkornoo remains Ghana’s Chief Justice until a determination is made by the investigative committee.
“She’s not an ex-Chief Justice. She is our Chief Justice. We should be treating her with respect and dignity unless and until the petition is upheld,” he emphasised.
He urged the President to act on the Chief Justice’s press conference not as defiance, but as an opportunity to bring closure.
“She has served for over ten years. She qualifies for voluntary retirement. Her candour, sincerity, and forthrightness—even if politically risky—deserve a dignified exit,” Ansah-Asare argued.
He called on the Council of State and Judicial Council to back such a move, noting the long-term damage to Ghana’s image and the precedent being set.
The legal scholar painted a sobering picture of public perception and psychological damage, warning that continued humiliation would stain not only the individual but the office of Chief Justice.
“Imagine her walking down the street, and people whisper. If she smiles, it will be misinterpreted. If she frowns, it will be ridiculed. We must not subject her to this. Let’s not forget she is still Chief Justice unless removed by due process,” he added.
Mr. Ansah-Asare pleaded with President Mahama to take ‘the line of least resistance’ and offer her a graceful and compassionate exit.
“If I were the President, I would lift the suspension and let her go home in dignity. That’s leadership. That’s justice,” he stressed.