The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Ghana has expressed its profound concern over the recent suspension of the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
According to FIDA, this decision has far-reaching implications for the independence of the judiciary, the protection of constitutional governance, and the ongoing commitment for gender parity in national leadership.
In a statement released on April 24, 2025 FIDA said the suspension of a sitting Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkonoo raises serious constitutional, institutional, and societal concerns.
“Such an act if devoid of transparency, due process, and public accountability, undermines public trust in the very institutions meant to uphold justice.
“FIDA-Ghana, as a staunch advocate for the rule of law and the protection of vulnerable people, especially women, advises that the right of the Chief Justice be respected and upheld at all times and her office be treated with the dignity that it deserves,” the statement stressed.
FIDA- Ghana noted that it finds it disconcerting, the “increasing spate of removal of individuals from strategic constitutional and institutional leadership, especially when such persons are women regrettable.”
“These removals have become the norm whenever there is a change in Government from the leadership of one party to another.
FIDA Ghana says such removals only serve to weaken public and constitutional institutions and may potentially discourage competent and qualified individuals, particularly women, from accepting appointments to serve their nation in those institutions.
Although FIDA Ghana believes governments have the right to remove individuals where the need arises, they believe that “the need to do so must be on clearly discernible and stated grounds in accordance with our constitution and not for partisan considerations or expediency.”
FIDA is therefore urging Government to ensure that it keeps to its promise to the women of Ghana.
Calls for transparency regarding the process and urgent resolution of the matters before the committee to enable the Chief Justice to resume her constitutional duties to the Judiciary and Ghana.
Recommends for urgent constitutional and legal reforms to provide stronger protections for office holders, especially heads of independent constitutional bodies, to prevent arbitrary dismissals.
Reiterates the call for implementation of the provisions of the Affirmative Action and (Gender Equity Act), 2024 Act 1121) to provide 30% of females in leadership positions as a matter of national priority and justice.
Finally, FIDA – Ghana urges government and all other political, private and social actors to recommit to advancing women’s leadership and strengthening the independence of institutions in Ghana.
By Gabriel Jackson Ocloo
