I Have Received Veiled Thréât to Resign But I Won't" - Suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Claims
Suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has revealed that she has received several thréât from unknown individuals asking her to resign from office after her suspension.
In a press conference, Justice Torkornoo alleged that her detractors had warned that they would deal with her if she refused to resign.
Despite her alleged thréât, the suspended CJ noted that she would not resign, and is determined to demonstrate that the process seeking her removal was fundamentally flawed.
She said, "I have heard on several occasions from loved ones, persons who care, and others who may not know me beyond my public duties, that since it is clear the current proceedings seem to be carefully staged to result in my removal as Chief Justice, it would be best if I just retired or resigned, rather than subject myself to an ill-motivated process. I have also received thréât and veiled thréât to the effect that if I fail to resign or voluntarily retire, I will suffer harm or other consequences”.
"Let me assure everyone that I do not seek to cling to a title or position. However, as a lawyer with 38 years of experience, a judge with 21 years of experience, and Chief Justice of Ghana, who has spent my entire career serving the rule of law, I consider it my duty and obligation to speak out concerning the administration of justice in this country."
She stated, “The situation I have been confronted with has shown me a model of injustice I never would have thought possible had I not been exposed to it. This is why, despite great personal discomfort, I have decided to marshal every effort, in law and leadership, to answer to this situation".
The suspended Chief Justice emphasized that many believe the current proceedings against her are carefully staged to ensure she is removed as Chief Justice, and also described the process as "ill-motivated".
She also referenced media commentary suggesting the process was born out of a stated political agenda to control the judiciary.
"I have also heard several commentaries in the media about how this process was born out of a stated political agenda to remove me and control the judiciary, and that it is a political effort that can only result in the charade of a hearing that is played out. I thank all those who have engaged in this conversation out of concern for my safety and well-being," she further stated.