You think it is easy to get $10 million – CJ Torkornoo slammed

Private legal practitioner and historian Anokye Frimpong has sharply criticised suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkornoo for taking her case to the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice.

Justice Torkornoo filed the case following her suspension and the ongoing proceedings on three petitions seeking her removal. She is asking the regional court to revoke her suspension, halt the proceedings, and award her $10 million in compensation.

In an interview with GBC on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, Anokye Frimpong called the lawsuit premature and damaging to Ghana’s reputation. He questioned the rationale behind her demands and argued that the $10 million compensation claim could harm the country’s economy.

“But going to ECOWAS, I believe it’s 100% premature. What are you looking for? $10 million? If that amount is even granted, you’re collapsing the economy. Ask yourself whether you’ve even seen $1 million before. Why burden the nation this way?” he asked.

Frimpong suggested that Justice Torkornoo should have first sought intervention from respected national figures such as Cardinal Appiah Turkson, Archbishop Palmer-Buckle, Archbishop Duncan-Williams, the Asantehene, or the National Chief Imam, who he believes could have mediated behind the scenes.

“You can quietly engage these individuals. They can resolve matters without the embarrassment of going to ECOWAS,” he stated.

The legal practitioner argued that Justice Torkornoo’s decision undermines confidence in Ghana’s judicial system.

“When you go to ECOWAS prematurely, you’re basically telling the world that Ghana’s judiciary is incapable of handling its own affairs. It’s embarrassing to the country and to yourself as someone who understands the law,” he concluded.

Justice Torkornoo’s application to ECOWAS includes calls for an immediate halt to the domestic proceedings and compensation for alleged violations of her rights following her suspension by President Mahama.