The dismissal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkornoo by President John Dramani Mahama has sparked widespread conversation among Ghanaians on social media on Monday, September 1, 2025.

The announcement, made by the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, indicated that the former Chief Justice was removed on grounds of misbehavior, following a recommendation by the Justice Pwamang Committee, which was established to probe petitions against her.

BREAKING: Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo sacked

The news has generated mixed reactions among netizens. While some welcomed the decision, others strongly opposed it.

Supporters of the President’s decision argue that the circumstances surrounding her removal were handled legally and have commended him for following due process.

Conversely, critics contend that the dismissal sets a troubling precedent for judicial independence in Ghana. They argue that it undermines the principle of judicial neutrality and warn that it could pave the way for politically motivated appointments to the position of Chief Justice, a role meant to remain neutral and insulated from political influence.

“I think the Chief Justice position is now going to be treated like other government appointments. You get appointed when your party is in power and you leave with them when your party exits,” one user said.

Another user shared the same sentiment, describing the development as ‘Ghana’s day of shame.’

President Mahama receives committee report on suspended CJ Torkornoo

“Today goes down in Ghana’s history as a day of shame, when surrogates of the President’s party presented frivolous petitions against the Chief Justice, and the President acted on them to remove her,” he added.

Read some of the trending posts below:

Today goes down in Ghana’s history as a day of shame, when surrogates of the President’s party presented frivolous petitions against the Chief Justice, and the President acted on them to remove her.#GhDayofShame pic.twitter.com/3IpuP0jJ8Z

— Nana Adjei⚖️ (@AdjeiANKDennis) September 1, 2025

Her line has been busy since the removal of the Chief Justice Gertrude Torkono. Could someone kindly reach out to her on my behalf, as I need to pass along some information? pic.twitter.com/2ChdGVdZqV

— NanaYaa Prempeh (@PrempehNanayaa) September 1, 2025

You can question the “politics” surrounding the removal of the now former Chief Justice Torkornoo. What is irksome is the hypocritical “impartiality” of some lawyers questioning the Justice Pwamang Committee’s recommendations when the proceedings were not public. pic.twitter.com/g5ePVNBB9F

— Benedict (@LexDominus) September 1, 2025

People shouldn’t pretend that we did not all witness the unjust and unconstitutional treatment Chief Justice Torkornoo meted out to Ama Governor.

Is that a fair and constitutionally principled person?

— YKGH (@YouKnowGhana) September 1, 2025

The president’s decision to sack Ghana’s Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo raises concerns about the separation of powers, judicial independence and the integrity of democratic institutions, shaping how future generations may view governance in the country.#GhanaToday #ghananews pic.twitter.com/8XFQp3StWg

— Michael Tene (@tenemichael1) September 1, 2025

That woman had no business being the Chief Justice....Too Bias ah!!!

— TheBIGJuan (@Mr_Kormy) September 1, 2025

Daniel Ofori removed the Chief Justice, nice! He's the most righteous man in Ghana. Thank you. https://t.co/9hIer4eKTk

— G.R.E.N.S.K. -D.J. (@NanaJnr) September 1, 2025

Mahama’s decision to remove the Chief Justice was reckless and unjustifiable. It eroded public trust in the judiciary, shook the foundations of our democracy, and signalled that no institution is safe from political manipulation.

— Air Sesko (@Realking_hf) September 1, 2025

Good bye Women Organizer Chief Justice . It’s left with the number 9 Jean Mensah. pic.twitter.com/kZZQPiwBBv

— Political Chef (@PoliticallyChef) September 1, 2025