Torkornoo Raises Alarm Over Hearing Venue, Says Adu Lodge Evokes Fear and History of Judicial Tragedy
Suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has raised serious concerns about the venue chosen for the inquiry into her possible removal from office. At a press briefing held in Accra on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, she claimed that Adu Lodge, the site of the ongoing proceedings, was deliberately selected to create a sense of insecurity.
Torkornoo drew a chilling parallel between the venue and a tragic moment in Ghana’s judicial history, referencing the 1981 murders of three High Court Judges and her uncle, Major Sam Acquah, which she says were allegedly plotted at the same location.
“Was Adu Lodge chosen for this inquiry to make me feel insecure? I think so. I continue to hold the view that there is no reason to hold a quasi-judicial hearing behind the high walls of Adu Lodge,” she said.
Historical Tension vs. Presidential Praise
Justice Torkornoo’s concerns about the symbolic weight of the location starkly contrast with former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s praise of the newly renovated facility during its commissioning on December 23, 2024.
The AL Adu Diplomatic Lodge, named in honor of distinguished Ghanaian diplomat Amishadai Larson Adu, was hailed by Akufo-Addo as a modern symbol of national pride and international cooperation.
“This lodge is a gateway to possibilities… With its 15 presidential suites, advanced meeting facilities, and cutting-edge translation services, it stands as a beacon of Ghana’s commitment to fostering collaboration and addressing global challenges,” Akufo-Addo said during the inauguration.
The former president lauded Mr. Adu’s legacy, calling him one of Ghana’s finest sons who exemplified patriotism, diplomacy, and service to the nation.
A Venue of Contrasts: Symbolism or Strategy?
While the AL Adu Diplomatic Lodge is positioned as a high-profile diplomatic facility, Justice Torkornoo maintains that its symbolic links to judicial assassinations make it inappropriate for her inquiry.
Her allegations come amid heightened national attention on the impeachment process initiated under Article 146 of the Constitution, following a prima facie determination by President John Dramani Mahama.
Torkornoo’s remarks have reignited debate over whether the choice of hearing venues in high-profile constitutional cases should take into account historical context and psychological safety for parties involved.
