Abraham Amaliba revealed that former Chief Justice Esaaba Torkornoo asked President John Mahama to let her retire honorably in order to preserve her retirement benefits.
Former Chief Justice Torkornoo’s Attempt to Secure Retirement Benefits
Amaliba’s Revelation
In order to preserve her end-of-service perks, former Chief Justice Esaaba Torkornoo contacted the president about retiring from office, according to Abraham Amaliba, Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority.
Torkornoo formally requested that President John Dramani Mahama allow her to move aside or retire honourably in order to preserve her entitlements, according to Amaliba, a private attorney and the creator of the National Democratic Congress’ legal team.
The Request Through Eminent Figures
He claimed that she made this request via two well-known people, whose identities he decided to keep anonymous.
This revelation comes after a number of people expressed worry over the Chief Justice’s dismissal and the possible loss of her end-of-service entitlements.
A better strategy, according to some, would have permitted the Chief Justice, who had been in the judiciary for more than ten years, to depart with her perks.
TV3 Keypoints Disclosure
Speaking on TV3’s Keypoints on Saturday, September 6, 2025, Amaliba revealed this after panellists questioned why she was not given the chance to leave in a dignified manner.
He also said that procedures were in place to enable her to retire or leave amicably so she could start receiving her benefits.
Court Action Prevented Settlement
However, she immediately proceeded to court to contest her suspension once the presidency completed the required paperwork, which prevented the deal from being finalised.
“She approached the President through these two eminent people, very high-profile people,” Amaliba stated.
“Was anything done? I am saying yes. She then went to court,” which, according to him, prevented the authorities from agreeing to her terms.
Context of Judicial Dismissals
Amaliba countered that it was untrue to say that the reasons for her dismissal fell short of the necessary standard.
He mentioned the dismissals of former Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) chair Lauretta Lamptey and former Electoral Commissioner Charlotte Osei as examples.
Criticism of Sophia Akuffo
The former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo was also chastised by him for calling the removal a “completely unnecessary process,” claiming that her remarks were only an afterthought.
Amaliba described such acts as “stated misbehaviour” or judicial misconduct, saying it would not have been acceptable to keep a Chief Justice in office who reportedly had contracts, per diem, and other benefits for her family.
