INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF WOMEN
LAWYERS (FIDA) GHANA
(Federacion Internacionale De Abogadas)

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PRESS RELEASE REGARDING SUSPENSION OF SITTING CHIEF JUSTICE
Date: Thursday 24
th April 2025
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Ghana expresses its profound concern over the
recent suspension of the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana. This action 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.
A Chief Justice is not only the head of the Judiciary but also a symbol of the integrity, impartiality, and
independence that defines the rule of law in any democracy. The suspension of a sitting Chief Justice,
Mrs. Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, particularly one of the few women to have held this
position in Ghana’s history 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.
FIDA- Ghana finds 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. These actions serve only 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.

INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF WOMEN
LAWYERS (FIDA) GHANA
(Federacion Internacionale De Abogadas)

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This development must be viewed within the broader context of the constitutional and legal gaps that
leave high-ranking positions vulnerable to political interference.
The current legal framework must have adequate safeguards to ensure the security of tenure and
independence of the heads of such institutions, including our Judiciary.
Governments have the right to remove individuals where the need arises, however, 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.
Finally, the provisions of the Affirmative Action ( Gender Equity), Act 2024 (Act 1121) to ensure a
minimum of 30% representation of women in decision-making spaces remains woefully unfulfilled and
falls short of the stated goals of the Affirmative Action law.. This flies in the face of the promises in the
NDC “Resetting Ghana” Manifesto. FIDA is therefore urging Government to ensure that it keeps to its
promise to the women of Ghana.
FIDA Ghana therefore:
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.

INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF WOMEN
LAWYERS (FIDA) GHANA
(Federacion Internacionale De Abogadas)

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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.
Susan Aryeetey
Ag. Executive Directo