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President Mahama suspends Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo
President Mahama suspends Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo
By: Abigail | 2 mins read
President John Dramani Mahama has suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo following the establishment of a prima facie case in response to three separate petitions seeking her removal from office.
The decision, announced on Tuesday, April 22, was made in accordance with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution and after consultation with the Council of State. This marks a significant moment in Ghana’s judicial history, as the country's top judge now faces a formal inquiry into her conduct.
While the specific allegations in the petitions have not been publicly disclosed, they have sparked widespread debate within legal and political circles, raising questions about judicial accountability and the integrity of the judiciary’s leadership.
As per constitutional procedures, Chief Justice Torkornoo was provided with copies of the petitions and given 10 days to respond. She submitted her written response on April 7.
After reviewing her response and engaging in further consultations, the President determined that a prima facie case had been established.
As a result, a five-member committee has been appointed under Article 146(6) to investigate the matter further.
The committee is composed as follows:
Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Justice of the Supreme Court – Chairman
Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu Asiedu, Justice of the Supreme Court – Member
Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Former Auditor-General – Member
Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, Ghana Armed Forces – MemberGhanaian fashion
Professor James Sefah Dzisah, Associate Professor, University of Ghana – Member
In accordance with Article 146(10) of the Constitution and upon the advice of the Council of State, the President has issued a warrant for the immediate suspension of the Chief Justice, pending the outcome of the committee’s investigation.
The coming weeks are set to mark a pivotal moment in Ghana’s constitutional and judicial history, as the committee begins its inquiry into the petitions.
