The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Ghana, which has been inactive for years, has now been awakened by the recent suspension of the Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
According to the once-vibrant FIDA, this decision has far-reaching implications for the independence of the judiciary, the protection of constitutional governance, and the ongoing commitment to gender parity in national leadership.
It is, unclear whether FIDA, criticised President Nana Akufo-Addo’s dismissal of Charlotte Osei, which was grounded in procurement breaches and maladministration.
Charlotte Osei, was removed from her position as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana on June 28, 2018.
President Akufo-Addo, dismissed her and her two deputies, Amadu Sulley and Georgina Opoku Amankwaa, following recommendations from a committee established by the Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo.
The committee found that Osei, had breached procurement laws by awarding several contracts prior to the 2016 elections, leading to her removal on grounds of stated misbehaviour and incompetence.
In a statement released on April 24, 2025, FIDA, said that suspending a sitting Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkonoo, 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,” the statement stressed.
FIDA- Ghana noted that, it finds it disconcerting that 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.
FIDA Ghana, says such removals only serve 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.
Although, FIDA Ghana believes governments have the right to remove individuals where the need arises, they think that “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.”
Therefore, FIDA, is urging the Government to keep its promise to Ghana’s women.
FIDA, 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.
It ecommends for urgent constitutional and legal reforms to provide stronger protections for office holders, especially heads of independent constitutional bodies, to prevent arbitrary dismissals.
FIDA, Reiterates the call for implementing the provisions of the Affirmative Action and Gender Equity Act (2024 Act 1121) to ensure 30% females are in leadership positions as a matter of national priority and justice.
Finally, FIDA—Ghana urges the government and all other political, private, and social actors to recommit to advancing women’s leadership and strengthening the independence of institutions in Ghana.