The former Director of the Ghana School of Law, Kwaku Ansa-Asare, has come to the defense of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo following allegations of financial misconduct related to her international travels.
Ansa-Asare argued that there is nothing improper about a public office holder benefiting from the terms of their appointment.
His comments come after a petition was submitted to President John Dramani Mahama by a private citizen, Daniel Ofori, who claims that the Chief Justice misappropriated over GHS 261,000 in state funds during 2023 to sponsor personal trips abroad, accompanied by her husband and daughter.
The petition further alleges that an additional GHS 75,580 was drawn by the Chief Justice for a trip to Tanzania, and that she failed to provide an account for a $14,000 imprest allocated for the same journey.
Ofori is one of three individuals who have petitioned the President for the Chief Justice’s removal from office, citing alleged misconduct and abuse of office.
Speaking on Citi FM on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, Kwaku Ansa-Asare stressed that the issue should be evaluated within the context of the Chief Justice’s contractual entitlements.
He explained that the matter of her traveling with her spouse and daughter stems from the terms of her appointment, which were set by the Judicial Council or the entity that appointed her.
Ansa-Asare expressed confidence that these terms and conditions were properly formulated and, as such, saw no wrongdoing in the Chief Justice enjoying the benefits outlined in her appointment.
Ansa-Asare said, “The issue with the Chief Justice travelling with her spouse and her daughter is matters arising from the contract of employment. So, they are issues that stem from the terms and conditions in her appointment. I am sure, as it was formulated in the terms and condition by herself. It was the judicial council or whoever appointed her. So, as far as I am concerned, I don’t see anything wrong with an office holder enjoying the terms and conditions of her appointment.”
In conclusion, Ansa-Asare maintained that there was nothing improper about the Chief Justice benefiting from the provisions of her position, adding that the issue should be viewed in this light.
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