Ghanaian Political Advocate, Akosua Asaa Manu has called on Vice President Esaaba Nketia-Agyeman to intervene in what she describes as an unprecedented and demeaning campaign against Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

In a letter, titled “When Scrutiny Turns into Siege: An Open Letter to the Vice President”, she expressed deep concern over what she characterised as a deliberate effort not only to remove the Chief Justice from office but to subject her to public ridicule and personal indignity.

“This has gone beyond scrutiny. Our democracy suffers alongside its distinguished daughter.”

Chief Justice Torkornoo, appointed in 2023, has reportedly faced invasive investigative tactics including home searches, device seizures, and intense media coverage, all of which have sparked backlash from some civil society groups and legal professionals. While the presidency has not publicly commented in detail, critics argue that the unfolding events signal a coordinated attempt to damage the Chief Justice’s reputation.

Manu in her letter appealed to the Vice President, a historic figure as Ghana’s first female to hold the office, urging her to uphold the dignity of the judiciary and protect the symbolic progress made by women in governance and justice.

“You reminded us that what matters is holding the door open for those behind to enter. Today, that door is being slammed shut on Justice Torkornoo, not merely closed but done so with insult,” the statement read.

The letter comes as Ghana marks the first year of having a female Vice President, an event widely celebrated as a turning point in gender representation in leadership. Manu, referencing this milestone, questioned the signal being sent to Ghanaian girls and women.

“This is not about shielding officials from accountability. It is about safeguarding the dignity of our institutions and the message we convey to every Ghanaian girl with dreams,” she said.

She also noted a recent remarks by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, who signaled the government’s intent to introduce legislation governing the removal of a Chief Justice. For Manu, this is an implicit admission that current processes are inadequate.

“If the process is flawed, why subject a national figure to its full fury?” she asked, calling for restraint and due process rooted in transparency and fairness.