Martin Kpebu
LEGAL PRACTITIONER, Martin Kpebu, has expressed support for granting former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo her retirement benefits despite her removal from office.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Mr. Kpebu said it would be unfair to deny Justice Torkornoo’s entitlements, noting that some of the issues cited against her had also occurred under her predecessors.
“So, it’s because we know that her predecessors had been doing the same thing, that’s why I kept saying no, then let her resign. She’s not the first, so she will get her benefits. That’s the main reason I said something could be negotiated,” he explained.
He referenced past audit reports that flagged similar irregular payments and even instructed earlier Chief Justices to refund money.
“For me, losing the office was sufficient punishment. But to lose her benefits, too, was like overkill. Even today, if you ask me, would you support a call for her to be given her benefits? I still say yes,” he added.
Mr. Kpebu said he could not confirm whether the ongoing legal challenge surrounding the case was purely about securing benefits, but acknowledged that it might be a motivating factor.
He, however, rejected the argument that the former Chief Justice’s actions were excusable simply because there was no malicious intent, stressing that the law can hold people accountable for reckless or negligent behaviour.
“It’s not all the time that the law requires a guilty mind. Once it’s willful — and that can also mean reckless — the law can hold you responsible,” he explained.
Mr. Kpebu concluded by appealing for fairness, saying similar actions by others in the past had gone unpunished.
“It really wrenches my heart because we all know this thing has been there for years. Others probably abused it more than her, but they got off. I still think we could do something for her,” he added.
BY Vera Owusu Sarpong