Suspended Chief Justice Torkornoo Compares Impeachment Hearing to ‘Nebuchadnezzar’s Trial’
Suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has strongly condemned the ongoing Article 146 impeachment proceedings against her, likening the experience to the biblical test faced by King Nebuchadnezzar’s magicians—where they were asked to interpret a dream they had never been told.
At a press briefing on Wednesday, June 25, Torkornoo described the proceedings as “unconstitutional, secretive, and procedurally flawed,” insisting her legal team is being forced to navigate a “blind process” without access to key documents.
🔍 “We’re Left Guessing” – Torkornoo Speaks Out
“Like Nebuchadnezzar’s magicians who were told to reveal and interpret a hidden dream, my lawyers are left to guess the content and focus of the testimonies,” she stated.
The Chief Justice claimed that since the hearings began on May 23, the five-member committee has withheld critical materials, including:
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The original petitions seeking her removal
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The President’s prima facie determination
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Specifics of the allegations under review
Despite this, she said her legal team is expected to cross-examine witnesses and mount a defence, calling the setup unjust and opaque.
⚖️ Concerns About Legal Process and Venue
Justice Torkornoo further raised alarms about the legal framework being applied. She questioned the use of Civil Procedure Rules (CI 47) rather than CI 65, which governs inquiries under Article 146.
She also criticized the venue—the Adu Lodge, known for its historical association with the 1981 murder of three judges—suggesting that its symbolism was intended to intimidate rather than ensure impartiality.
“These proceedings are not only irregular; they are unprecedented,” she emphasized. “This is a model of injustice I never imagined possible until I experienced it firsthand.”
🧾 Judicial Review Filed in High Court
Justice Torkornoo revealed that her team has filed a judicial review at the High Court, seeking to nullify the entire impeachment process. She framed the matter as one of national significance, beyond her personal plight:
“This total absence of compliance with all known rules of fair hearing cannot stand. It’s not about me; it’s about the integrity of the judiciary and protection for every public official.”
🔒 Supreme Court Rulings and Petition Details
The Supreme Court has already:
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Dismissed her application for an interlocutory injunction
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Struck out her supplementary affidavit, stating it breached confidentiality mandated under Article 146
Justice Torkornoo’s suspension followed a prima facie determination by President John Dramani Mahama, based on three separate petitions. The details of those petitions remain sealed, contributing to the Chief Justice’s claim of a “secretive and unfair” process.
🔚 Conclusion
As Ghana’s legal and political communities remain divided over the unfolding events, Justice Torkornoo’s bold public address signals her determination to challenge the legitimacy of the proceedings, while also shining a spotlight on the future of judicial accountability in Ghana.
