Former Director of the Ghana School of Law, Kwaku Ansah-Asare, has raised concerns over President Nana Akufo-Addo’s appointment of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, arguing that it was not her rightful time to assume the position as per reports from Ghana Web.
According to him, there were more senior judges who should have been considered before her. In an interview, he questioned the rationale behind her appointment, stating,
“When Gertrude Torkornoo was made Chief Justice, I questioned it because it wasn’t time for her to be in that position.”
Ansah-Asare further criticised the Akufo-Addo administration for what he described as a pattern of appointing close associates to key positions, which, in his view, has contributed to challenges within Ghana’s judicial system.
He insisted that future appointments should be based on merit, ensuring that the most qualified and experienced individuals occupy the role of Chief Justice.
His remarks add to the ongoing debate regarding judicial independence and accountability in Ghana.
Some civil society organisations and legal experts have also expressed concerns over appointments to the judiciary, calling for a more transparent and merit-driven selection process.
Meanwhile, Chief Justice Torkornoo has faced criticism from some quarters, with petitions calling for her removal over allegations of incompetence and misconduct.
However, any attempt to remove a Chief Justice must follow constitutional procedures outlined in Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, which requires a formal petition to the president and an investigative process.