Prof. Gyampo Makes A Humanitarian Plea To President Mahama

In order to guarantee that former Chief Justice Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkornoo receives all of her retirement benefits and rights, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, a senior political science lecturer at the University of Ghana, has made a strong humanitarian plea to President John Dramani Mahama.

Professor Gyampo’s call coincides with an increasing public discussion about how the former Chief Justice was treated after her contentious resignation.

In a Facebook post, the vocal scholar admitted that, although he thought some of Justice Torkornoo’s acts during her term were “pointless and frustrating,” he feels that it would be wrong to deny her the benefits she is entitled to and would go against the values of compassion and good government.

“Though I belong to the School of Thought that believes that an appeal on humanitarian grounds could be made to the President to pay the entitlements of the removed CJ, her own pointless conduct makes it difficult for all of us and, given that her own lawyers have failed her, I call on the Elders of the land to intervene in counseling her, as her intemded or unintended quest to usher the nation into a state of constitutional anarchism merely amounts to romancing a stone”.

“I still appeal to President Mahama to pay her all her entitlements,” Prof. Gyampo wrote. “Even though her conduct in some instances was needless, she must not be made to suffer unjustly. Leadership must demonstrate magnanimity, fairness, and humanity.”

The political scientist believes that when a leader rises above resentment and vindictiveness, even against people whose conduct may have been ethically or politically dubious, they are most admired. He stated that in order to improve the democratic system and promote respect for state institutions, public office holders must be treated fairly regardless of their prior choices or political leanings.

Prof. Gyampo further emphasized that Ghana, a country founded on the rule of law, should never let partisanship or feelings control the allocation of public funds and benefits.

“We must draw a line between accountability and cruelty,” he cautioned. “If we begin to withhold what is legally due to individuals simply because we disagree with them, we risk creating a dangerous precedent where public service becomes a trap rather than an honor.”

The 15th Chief Justice of Ghana, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, has been under a lot of criticism lately, with some members of the public charging that she was too close to the previous government. Regardless of political or personal differences, Prof. Gyampo and other observers believe that her many years of service in the judiciary should be honored with dignity.

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Therefore, the lecturer from the University of Ghana is advising Ghanaians to adopt a culture of decency and forgiveness in national discourse, particularly when interacting with public figures who have served the nation.

“The hallmark of true democracy is how we treat those we disagree with,” he added. “President Mahama has an opportunity to show leadership that heals wounds, rather than one that deepens division.”

As of now, there has been no official response from the Presidency or the Ministry of Finance regarding Prof. Gyampo’s appeal.