Policy analyst and the Vice-President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, expressed that two things can be true on whether the dismissal of Justice Torkonoo as Chief Justice was justifiable or a ‘witch hunt’.
In response to the question, “Is it a mere witch hunt or a justified case of action”, Kofi Bentil replied saying the issue needs to be looked at from every angle.
Speaking on a discussion on Tv3 on September 6 morning, Kofi Bentil explained his reasons to why he will say the dismissal could be a justified.
“It is not a mere witch hunt. The constitutional processes were followed. I don’t see a breach of the constitutional process,” he said.
He however went on to say, “But if you ask me again, is it a mere witch hunt, yes, it is.”
Kofi Bentil then said that this was a pre meditated outcome as there had been people from the NDC including the president implied publicly that they did not trust the judiciary.
“Like I said, soberly look at all the facts. Yes, it was generally the judiciary but who is the target,” he stressed.
Adding, “When you have that kind of premeditated animosity against the person, in a democracy like ours we should be careful not to craft laws that give vehicle to such things.”
He cautioned that, “If this goes on, every President will walk in, clear the Chief Justice, security heads, and bring in their own people. That is not what the constitution is for.”
He argued that the issues that were put up were debatable and not proven without doubt, but in dealing with such a case it should be undeniably clear why they need to be dismissed.
Chief Justice Torkornoo was suspended on April 22 2025, after President Mahama determined that three petitions established a prima facie case and set up a committee under Article 146 to investigate.
Following months of hearings, the committee on September 1, 2025 recommended her removal for stated misbehaviour, and the President removed her from office on the same day with immediate effect.
