Former Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Acheampong, has warned that the unfolding events surrounding the suspension and impeachment of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo expose a dangerous shift in Ghana’s democratic structure, where the Executive is wielding excessive power at the expense of the Judiciary.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Thursday, June 26, Acheampong described the situation as an imbalance that risks weakening the country’s system of checks and balances.

“In a democratic state where we have the three arms of government — the Executive, the Judiciary, and the Legislature — we have given too much strength and arm to the head of the Executive, to disadvantage the Judiciary. When I see that, I call it democracy capture,” he stated.

Acheampong stressed that the current process goes beyond one individual and points to a systemic concern. He cautioned that allowing the Executive to dominate other arms of government would compromise democratic accountability and potentially set dangerous precedents.

His comments come as Chief Justice Torkornoo faces an ongoing impeachment process, which she has criticised as lacking transparency and fairness. The suspended Chief Justice claims the proceedings held at a high-security location are designed to intimidate and obstruct her defence.

Torkornoo was suspended on April 22, 2025, by President John Dramani Mahama after a prima facie case was established in consultation with the Council of State. A five-member committee was formed under Article 146(6) to investigate several petitions of alleged misconduct against her.

Though the proceedings are being held in camera as allowed by law, the Chief Justice has attempted to challenge the process in court on four occasions. All applications, including one personally filed by her, were dismissed by the Supreme Court.

In pursuit of this, Gertrude Torkornoo says her legal team has filed a judicial review at the High Court seeking to quash the ongoing proceedings for her removal again.

According to Justice Torkonoo, the process, led by the Justice Pwamang Committee, has been marred by serious procedural violations.