Court Blocks Torkornoo’s Lawyers Oral Attempt in Withdraw Process
The Accra High Court has ordered lawyers of former Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo to follow due process in withdrawing their case challenging her removal from office.
Presiding Judge Justice Eugene Nyadu Nyantei on Tuesday, September 9, blocked an oral attempt by her lawyer, Kwabena Adu-Kusi, to withdraw the suit filed on June 23. The judicial review application sought to strike out a petition by a group called Shining Stars of Ghana, which her legal team argued was flawed as the group was unregistered and its members were anonymous.
During the virtual hearing, Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem Sai had prepared to move a motion to strike out the case but expressed disappointment when the applicant’s lawyer attempted an oral withdrawal. He stressed that the proper course of action was to file a notice of discontinuance, not appear in court with an oral request, especially after ample time had passed.
Adu-Kusi pleaded for a brief adjournment to comply with the proper procedure. Justice Nyadu-Nyantei subsequently directed the former CJ’s legal team to file the appropriate processes and adjourned the matter indefinitely.
Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo was dismissed on September 1, 2025, by President Mahama following recommendations from a Committee of Inquiry into petitions seeking her removal. The Presidency has since confirmed that a successor will be appointed in due course. Meanwhile, the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice is set to decide on a separate case filed by the former Chief Justice seeking reinstatement with full entitlements.