‘Treated worse than a traitor’ – Suspended CJ alleges psychological torture, mockery of justice

Suspended Chief Justice of Ghana, Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, has launched a strong legal response to what she calls an unfair and unconstitutional attempt to remove her from office. In a detailed supplementary affidavit filed at the Supreme Court on Monday, May 26, 2025, Justice Torkornoo described the impeachment process against her as not only illegal but also a disgrace to Ghana’s democratic principles.

In the affidavit, which supports her earlier motion for an injunction to stop the impeachment proceedings, Justice Torkornoo paints a picture of pain, humiliation, and injustice. According to her, what she is going through is worse than how people accused of treason are treated.

“This whole process is a complete disgrace to justice. It’s an insult to the independence of the judiciary. And the treatment I’m receiving is worse than what is given to people who are accused of trying to overthrow a government,” she stated strongly in the affidavit.

Ignored by the Committee

Justice Torkornoo told the Supreme Court that ever since she filed her initial lawsuit on May 21, she has continued to suffer disrespect and violations of her rights. She explained that she sent official notices and legal documents to the impeachment committee, informing them that she had taken the matter to court and was seeking a ruling. However, the committee ignored her and still went ahead with the proceedings the very next day.

“I gave them all the documents and told them I’ve gone to court. But they still went on with the hearings,” she said, adding that till today, she has not even been told the full charges or the legal reasons for the committee’s decision to proceed.

“I don’t even know exactly what I’m supposed to defend myself against. How can I prepare my defence when I don’t know what I’m being accused of?” she asked.

Lawyer Disrespected

Justice Torkornoo also spoke about how the committee has disrespected her legal team. On May 15, her lawyer went to the committee on her behalf, but the committee refused to even recognise him. This same lawyer had received hearing notices just a day before, showing clearly that the committee knew he was acting on her behalf. Yet, when he arrived, he was sidelined.

“They acted like he didn’t matter. They didn’t even talk to him and went ahead to schedule more hearing dates without telling him anything,” she revealed in the affidavit.

She said this is not only disrespectful to her lawyer, but a complete insult to the rule of law and her right to fair legal representation.

Petitioners Not Testifying Themselves

Another big problem Justice Torkornoo has with the process is that the people who sent the petition calling for her impeachment are not testifying themselves. Instead, they are using third-party witnesses.

According to her, this is totally wrong and dangerous for justice. She said that in any fair process, the people who bring a complaint must appear in person, take an oath, and be cross-examined.

“But in my case, they are allowing others to come and speak on their behalf. This is against all known legal procedures. It’s very wrong,” she argued.

Humiliation and Mistreatment

Beyond the legal concerns, Justice Torkornoo said the treatment she and her family have received is deeply painful and degrading. She revealed that at the hearings, she and her legal team were searched like criminals. Their phones and laptops were seized, while the lawyers for the petitioners were allowed to freely use theirs.

Even more painful, she said, was the fact that her own husband and children were not allowed to enter the hearing room.

“This kind of treatment is meant to humiliate me and make me feel powerless. It is inhuman and degrading,” she said.

The Osu Castle Controversy

Justice Torkornoo also raised serious concerns about the location of the hearings. She revealed that the proceedings are taking place at the Osu Castle, a high-security military zone, instead of a proper judicial facility.

She said this is intimidating and clearly done to scare her.

“All other Article 146 proceedings in Ghana have been held at appropriate judicial facilities. But for me, they have chosen to hold it in a high-security area. Why?” she asked.

She said the use of Osu Castle, a place associated with political power and security forces, is clearly meant to create fear and confusion.

“This Is About More Than Me”

Justice Torkornoo said her fight is not just about saving her job, but about protecting the entire judicial system in Ghana. She warned that if this kind of treatment is allowed to stand, it will destroy the independence of the judiciary and expose all judges to political manipulation.

“If they can do this to the Chief Justice, what can’t they do to an ordinary judge? If this is allowed, then no judge will ever feel safe or free again,” she said.

She is calling on the Supreme Court to act quickly to stop the proceedings and protect the integrity of the judiciary.

“The court must not wait. What is happening is clearly against the constitution. It must be stopped,” she insisted.

A Call for Constitutional Justice

The suspended Chief Justice reminded the court that Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution gives strong protection to judges, especially regarding how they can be removed. She said these rules are being ignored in her case.

She said the committee is not respecting the rules of natural justice, and that the public deserves to know the truth.

“I am not afraid of any fair and legal process. But what is happening is not fair and it is not legal. I am only asking for justice to be done,” she concluded.

Conclusion

The affidavit filed by Justice Torkornoo shows a clear and bold attempt to fight back against what she believes is an unlawful and humiliating effort to remove her from office. Her words are not just a cry for personal justice, but a warning to the entire country. According to her, if the highest judge in the land can be treated like this, then the justice system is in serious danger.

As the Supreme Court prepares to rule on her request for an injunction, many Ghanaians are watching closely. For some, this case is about more than one person—it’s about the soul of Ghana’s democracy, the rule of law, and the independence of our courts.

Will the judiciary defend its own? Or will political pressure win the day?

Only time will tell.