Sunday, 9 August 2026

Ghana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026

Sunday, 9 August 2026

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Ghanaian press · Person

Gertrude Torkornoo

Also known as: Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo · Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkonoo · Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkornoo · Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkonoo · Justice Gertrude Torkornoo · Chief Justice Torkornoo · former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo · Mrs. Torkornoo · Madam Torkornoo · suspended former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo · former Chief Justice Torkornoo · Ms Torkornoo

Former Chief Justice removed from office September 2025 following committee inquiry; challenged removal through multiple court cases dismissed by 2026.

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In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

August 2026
4 AugDaily Guide
… The opposition party also criticised recent developments within the Judiciary, including the suspension and subsequent removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, saying that the process had weakened judicial independence and created fear within the judicial system. …
NPP Embarks On Demo Over Selective Prosecution
July 2026
29 JulJoy Online
… Former Chief Justice Torkornoo became the first Chief Justice in Ghana to be impeached and removed from office before her actions challenging the petitions against her removal were decided by the Supreme Court, overseen by her successor, who had less than a year to retirement, wa …
The contention that a President is limited by a consecutive tenure of two terms secures a third term for Mahama
17 JulJoy Online
… He cited criticisms from the NDC following a May 2024 request by then-Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo for the appointment of five additional Supreme Court judges. …
Afenyo-Markin accuses NDC of hypocrisy over Supreme Court judge nominations
17 JulJoy Online
… He cited criticisms from the NDC following a May 2024 request by then-Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo for the appointment of five additional Supreme Court judges. …
Afenyo-Markin accuses NDC of hypocrisy over Supreme Court judge nominations
4 JulJoy Online
JoyNews’ flagship current affairs programme, Newsfile, this Saturday, July 4, turned its attention to two major national issues, the recent devastating floods in Accra and the legal battles surrounding the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. …
Playback: Newsfile discussed Accra floods and the dismissal of Justice Torkonoo’s case
2 JulJoy Online
AYAMGA AKOLGO (DCOP) v GERTRUDE TORKORNOO (CJ) 1. Petitions citing judicial misconduct and incompetence were submitted to the President for the removal of the former Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo. …
Full Statement: DCOP Ayamga Akolgo explains his petition against former Chief Justice Torkornoo
2 JulJoy Online
The Supreme Court has unanimously dismissed consolidated cases challenging the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, bringing finality to the domestic legal battles over her dismissal. …
Supreme Court dismisses consolidated cases challenging Torkornoo’s removal
1 JulDaily Guide
… She cited the removal of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from Office as Chief Justice, indicating that despite concerns about the absence of clear guidelines for the removal of a Chief Justice, the 5-member committee set up by the President went ahead to recommend her removal. …
Insulate Judiciary From Interference – GBA
June 2026
ECOWAS court dismisses Torkornoo suspension challenge
1. 27 JunJoy Online
  The legal battle surrounding the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has proven to be far more expansive than previously understood, with fresh revelations indicating a multi-pronged judicial strategy spanning three separate courts. …
  Torkornoo’s marathon: Three High Court suits and five Supreme Court battles revealed
2. 27 JunJoy Online
  Private legal practitioner and activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor has offered a detailed reflection on the intersection of law, politics and public perception following the dismissal of all seven claims filed by former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo against the Republic of Ghana a …
  “Law and politics run in parallel channels” — Barker-Vormawor on ECOWAS ruling in Torkornoo case

Politics

NPP to stage nationwide demo over selective prosecution

The News

The opposition New Patriotic Party has announced a nationwide demonstration on August 6, accusing the ruling government of undermining democratic principles and demanding the Attorney General withdraw criminal prosecutions of former NPP officials. The protest, titled "Democracy Under Attack," will involve collaboration with other political parties, civil society organisations, and youth movements, with petitions to be presented at the Supreme Court, Parliament, and the Presidency.

4 August 2026 · Daily Guide →

Tuesday 4 August

NPP to stage nationwide demo over selective prosecution
The opposition New Patriotic Party has announced a nationwide demonstration on August 6, accusing the ruling government of undermining democratic principles and demanding the Attorney General withdraw criminal prosecutions of former NPP officials. The protest, titled "Democracy Under Attack," will involve collaboration with other political parties, civil society organisations, and youth movements, with petitions to be presented at the Supreme Court, Parliament, and the Presidency.
4 August 2026 · Daily Guide →

Wednesday 29 July

Supreme Court case may enable Mahama to seek third presidential term
A Supreme Court case (Kenneth Kwabena Agyei Kuranchie v The Attorney-General) seeks to interpret Article 66(2) of the 1992 Constitution on whether a president defeated after one term can serve two consecutive terms upon subsequent election—a provision that would effectively allow President Mahama, sworn in again on 7 January 2025, to seek a third term. The plaintiff has denied the action is aimed at securing a third term for Mahama, though the case's substance would open that possibility.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 17 July

Afenyo-Markin accuses NDC of hypocrisy over court judge nominations
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has accused the NDC of political inconsistency, saying the party criticised the NPP administration's Supreme Court nominations while in opposition but is now nominating judges itself after returning to government. Afenyo-Markin acknowledged the President's constitutional authority to make such nominations but questioned whether the NDC is "a principled political party."
17 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Afenyo-Markin accuses NDC of hypocrisy on court nominations
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has accused the NDC of political inconsistency, saying the party criticised the NPP administration's Supreme Court appointments while in opposition but is now making similar nominations under President Mahama. Afenyo-Markin acknowledged the President's constitutional authority to nominate judges but questioned the NDC's stated principles.
17 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Saturday 4 July

Newsfile examines Accra floods and Torkornoo removal case
JoyNews' Newsfile programme on July 4 featured in-depth discussions on the recent devastating floods in Accra and the dismissal of legal challenges against the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, with expert analysis on flood management challenges and judicial developments.
4 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 2 July

DCOP Akolgo reveals role in petition against former Chief Justice Torkornoo
DCOP Ayamga Akolgo has disclosed that he was one of the petitioners seeking the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, citing her abuse of judicial office, incompetence, and lack of judicial temperament. He states the President found merit in his petition and took action following consultation with the Council of State.
2 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Supreme Court dismisses all cases challenging Torkornoo's removal
The Supreme Court has unanimously dismissed consolidated cases challenging the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, with a seven-member panel ruling that the suits lacked merit. Torkornoo was removed from office on September 1, 2025, following recommendations by a five-member committee of inquiry that found her culpable of breaches including alleged misuse of public funds and violations of constitutional procedures.
2 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 1 July

GBA calls for judicial independence from political interference
The Ghana Bar Association's president has called for the Judiciary to be insulated from political interference to deliver justice effectively, and urged the country to formulate clear guidelines for the removal of Superior Court judges, citing concerns about the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
1 July 2026 · Daily Guide →

Saturday 27 June

Former Chief Justice Torkornoo's removal challenge spans multiple court battles
Former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has mounted a multi-pronged legal challenge to her removal, involving five Supreme Court cases, three High Court suits (one abandoned), and a regional ECOWAS Court case that was dismissed on June 24, 2026, according to Deputy Attorney General Dr Justice Srem-Sai.
27 June 2026 · Joy Online →
ECOWAS court dismisses Torkornoo suspension challenge
The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice dismissed all seven claims filed by former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo against Ghana, ending regional court proceedings over her suspension and removal from office. Legal practitioner Oliver Barker-Vormawor reflected that such constitutional disputes unfold on parallel legal and political tracks, with courts applying legal principles while public discourse develops independently along political lines.
27 June 2026 · Joy Online →
NACOC deputy chief rejects Torkornoo unfair trial claims
Alexander Twum-Barimah, Deputy Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission, has dismissed suspended former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo's claims of an unfair trial, stating that constitutional procedures were followed and that she was served with documents, allowed to respond within about 10 days, and given opportunity to be heard.
27 June 2026 · Joy Online →
Suame MP claims Torkornoo removal process was politically driven
Suame MP John Darko told Newsfile that the removal proceedings against Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, though framed in legal terms, were inherently political and reflected a predetermined political intention by actors involved. He argued that while the case engaged constitutional and human rights questions, the underlying dynamics pointed to a politically driven process rather than a purely judicial dispute.
27 June 2026 · Joy Online →
Suame MP praises former Chief Justice over ECOWAS case
The Member of Parliament for Suame has commended former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo for pursuing legal redress after the ECOWAS Court of Justice dismissed her application, saying she demonstrated exemplary commitment to the rule of law and urged citizens to follow lawful procedures when seeking justice.
27 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 26 June

Newsfile to discuss Torkornoo, drug seizures and party tensions
Joy Online reports that Newsfile, a Saturday broadcast show hosted by Samson Lardy Anyenini, will convene a panel of experts to discuss recent developments including the ECOWAS Court's dismissal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo's application, the jailing of Herald managing editor Larry Dogbe, a $208 million methamphetamine seizure linked to Ghana, and the "Ken Must Go" campaign calling for NPP stalwart Kennedy Agyapong's dismissal from the party.
26 June 2026 · Joy Online →
Newsfile tackles Torkornoo case, drug seizure and party tensions
Ghana's Newsfile programme will discuss recent legal and governance developments including the ECOWAS Court's dismissal of former Chief Justice Torkornoo's application, the jailing of Herald Managing Editor Larry Dogbe, a $208 million methamphetamine seizure linked to Ghana, and the "Ken Must Go" campaign calling for NPP stalwart Kennedy Agyapong's dismissal from the party.
26 June 2026 · Joy Online →
Council of State resignations lack public transparency and disclosure
An opinion piece argues that former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo's resignation from Ghana's Council of State was not publicly disclosed until media reports emerged months later, raising concerns about democratic accountability and whether citizens should be informed when vacancies arise in this constitutional advisory body.
26 June 2026 · The Chronicle →

Wednesday 24 June

ECOWAS Court dismisses all claims by former Chief Justice against Ghana
The ECOWAS Community Court has dismissed all seven claims filed by former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo against the Republic of Ghana, rejecting her allegations and her request for US$10 million in damages. The court ruled that Ghana did not violate any of the applicant's rights under the African Charter.
24 June 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
ECOWAS Court dismisses all claims by former Chief Justice Torkornoo
The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has dismissed all seven claims filed by former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo against Ghana, including her challenge to her suspension and removal from office. The court also declined to award the US$10 million in damages she sought, finding that Ghana had not violated any of her rights under the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.
24 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 23 June

Akuffo's Council of State resignation sat unconfirmed for nine months
Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo resigned from Ghana's Council of State in September 2025, but President Mahama did not confirm acceptance until June 2026, raising constitutional questions about the delay. Her resignation followed an August 2025 Council vote on removing Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, in which Akuffo abstained as the sole dissenting voice.
23 June 2026 · Daily Guide →

Monday 22 June

Council of State resignation silence raises accountability questions
An opinion piece argues that the quiet resignation of former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo from Ghana's Council of State, announced only months later through media reports, represents a democratic accountability gap: while Council appointments are publicly announced, resignations have been treated as private matters, preventing citizens from knowing whether the constitutional body operates with vacancies or delayed replacements.
22 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Saturday 20 June

Ansa-Asare says Council of State has become "100% partisan"
Former Director of the Ghana School of Law Kwaku Ansa-Asare has criticised the Council of State's composition as overwhelmingly partisan, arguing that members cannot freely express independent opinions and suggesting this may have contributed to recent high-profile resignations, including former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo's departure.
20 June 2026 · Joy Online →
Akuffo's Council of State appointment breached constitution—legal expert
Legal academic Kwaku Ansa-Asare has argued that former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo's appointment to the Council of State was constitutionally flawed because it bypassed a more senior and constitutionally appropriate retired Chief Justice. He also criticized the government for delaying the public announcement of Akuffo's resignation until after it leaked to media.
20 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 17 June

Justice Sophia Akuffo's Council resignation delayed public disclosure
An opinion piece argues that the resignation of Justice Sophia Akuffo from the Council of State, who reportedly withdrew from activities since September 2024 following opposition to Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo's dismissal, should have been disclosed to Ghanaians promptly rather than kept confidential.
17 June 2026 · Daily Guide →

Tuesday 16 June

Former Attorney-General criticises Chief Justice removal grounds
Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, a former Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, has argued that the NDC government removed Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo on weak grounds, contending that such a significant constitutional action requires strong, credible and compelling evidence to protect judicial independence.
16 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Sunday 14 June

Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo resigns from Council of State
Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has resigned from Ghana's Council of State, having submitted her resignation last year and ceased attending meetings since then. Her resignation follows a period in which she became central to a judicial crisis involving then Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, abstaining on a Council vote and later testifying in Torkornoo's defence.
14 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 22 May

NPP official urges Mahama to curb arrests linked to political speech
The Chairman of the NPP's Communications Committee has called on President Mahama to halt what he describes as a "creeping culture of silence," arguing that speech-related matters should be addressed through civil remedies rather than criminal prosecution. He cited several recent arrests of individuals linked to political commentary or public criticism, maintaining they do not meet the threshold for sedition offences.
22 May 2026 · The Chronicle →

Tuesday 19 May

NPP petitions diplomats over political persecution claims
The New Patriotic Party has petitioned Ghana's diplomatic community alleging that the Mahama administration is weaponising state institutions against political opponents, journalists, and critics, warning that the country is returning to a "culture of silence" through fear and politically motivated prosecutions.
19 May 2026 · Joy Online →