Economic Advisor to the Vice President, Prof Sharif Mahmud Khalid, has criticised former Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Torkornoo following her recent legal action against the government over what she describes as the unlawful withholding of her salary and entitlements after her removal from office.
Justice Torkornoo filed a suit at the High Court on 16th October 2025, seeking judicial review of what she claims was an unjust denial of her benefits prior to the issuance of the presidential warrant that formally ended her tenure on 1st September 2025.
She is asking the court to prohibit the government from continuing to withhold her rightful dues.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 18, Prof. Khalid called the former Chief Justice’s move “a ridiculous bucket list,” accusing her of exaggerating the matter and undermining the dignity of the high office she once occupied.
- Read also: Torkornoo sues gov’t over withheld salary and benefits, challenges dismissal as Chief Justice
“I think the former Chief Justice is overplaying her hand in this whole exercise,” he said. “As far as I am concerned, this is a ridiculous bucket list for a former Chief Justice.”
He further stressed that public officials especially those who led independent institutions must preserve the integrity of their former positions.
“There is something called the dignity and sanctity of the office which she headed, which the holder must respect,” he said.
“We know how a judge could be upset when a ridiculous bucket list is filed and that is exactly what she is doing. It raises questions about the sort of Chief Justice she was and how she viewed things from a legal lens,” he continued.
Prof. Khalid defended the President John Mahama’s decision to remove Justice Torkornoo, stating that it followed due constitutional process involving the Council of State.
“This decision was not arbitrary,” he said. “It went through a process to the Council of State. He [the President] was bound by their decision. It was not a green letter that emanated from the Jubilee House.”
He also noted that Justice Torkornoo continued to enjoy full privileges while the removal process was ongoing.
“She went with close protection to hold a press conference at the PAMS, formerly known as Holiday Inn. That tells how accommodating the government is,” he said.
Addressing broader legal concerns, Prof. Khalid acknowledged that constitutional provisions may sometimes require review, but insisted this does not nullify the decisions already taken.
“If we feel that an article is a bit wobbly and we want to fix it, that doesn’t negate the decision that was taken in reference to her removal,” he argued.
He also questioned the former Chief Justice’s motives, saying, “I’m really wondering where she is headed to. We should respect the institutions we once headed.”
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