I’m proud of you but you can’t regain your position – NPP’s Dr. Zaato tells CJ Torkonoo

Policy analyst and opposition NPP member, Dr. Joshua Zaato, has expressed doubt over the suspended Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkonoo’s chances of overturning the process seeking her removal from office.

Speaking on TV3’s KeyPoint show on Saturday, July 5, Dr. Zaato, who also lectures in political science at the University of Ghana, predicted that the ongoing proceedings would most likely result in her permanent removal.

“I’ve said here again and again and on so many platforms, I personally think she’s a goner. I personally think she’s not going to win this case. It’s done. She’s not going back to that office as Chief Justice,” he stated.

Despite his position on the likely outcome, Dr. Zaato commended Justice Torkonoo for putting up a strong defence and taking the matter all the way to the Supreme Court.

“I’ve also said that I’m proud of her fight against the case. I’m happy that she’s fighting it. I’m happy the cases are going to the Supreme Court,” he added.

According to him, her challenge—though unlikely to change the outcome—will contribute positively to Ghana’s legal landscape. “It will help the jurisprudence of these cases in the future. So again, I’m happy she’s fighting. I’m happy she’s not sitting down and just taking it—that she’s going all out.”

Meanwhile, Chief Justice Torkonoo has insisted that the petitions filed against her are unfounded. She maintains that the allegations are either completely false or stem from a misunderstanding of her constitutional and judicial responsibilities. She also claims that the ongoing process has infringed upon her rights.