The Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Edudzi Tameklo, has said that President John Mahama holds no personal grudges against the suspended Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo.
He said instead, the President vouched for her and ensured that the then Minority Caucus made up of the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) MPs approved her nomination.
“President Mahama had hope in Gertrude Torkornoo when she was nominated. He told the Minority then that nobody should oppose it. So, when it came to her appointment, it was unanimous both at the committee and the plenary levels. That is the level of confidence President Mahama had in Gertrude Torkornoo,” he said.
Mr Tameklo made the revelation on TV3’s KeyPoints on May 24. He was contributing to discussions on the petitions to remove the Chief Justice.
Getrude Torkornoo was suspended after a prima facie case was made against her based on the contents of three petitions submitted to President Mahama. The President in consultation with the Council of State established a prima facie case against her and set up a committee to probe the allegations in the petitions.
Mr Tameklo stressed that President Mahama is only doing his constitutional duty upon receiving the petition.
“President Mahama had no way of knowing how the now suspended Chief Justice will conduct herself while in office,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Gertrude Torkornoo has sued the current Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine over the work of the Commitee.
Justice Torkornoo in the suit filed on May 21, 2025 sought a number of reliefs from the Apex Court.
This included a declaration that she has the right to a public hearing in proceedings before a committee appointed by the President to inquire into a petition presented for her removal.
Gertrude Torkonoo also wants the court to declare that the prima facie case established against her does not amount to a proper determination of a prima facie case and is therefore null, void and of no effect.
Read also: All 16 reliefs sought by Justice Torkornoo in suit against her removal
