President Mahama Suspends Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo Following Prima Facie Case
In a significant development in Ghana’s judicial landscape President John Dramani Mahama has suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo after determining that a prima facie case has been established in connection with three separate petitions seeking her removal from office.
The suspension, announced on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, is in accordance with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and was made in consultation with the Council of State.
Although the specific details of the petitions have not yet been made public, the situation has generated widespread public and legal discourse, particularly on the issues of judicial accountability, ethics, and leadership within Ghana’s judiciary.
According to official sources, Chief Justice Torkornoo was furnished with copies of the petitions and granted 10 days to respond, which she did on April 7, 2025. After reviewing her response and consulting relevant constitutional bodies, the President concluded that there is sufficient basis to warrant a formal investigation.
A five-member investigative committee has since been constituted under Article 146(6) of the Constitution to examine the petitions in detail. The committee members are:
1. Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang – Justice of the Supreme Court (Chairman)
2. Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu Asiedu – Justice of the Supreme Court (Member)
3. Daniel Yaw Domelevo – Former Auditor-General of Ghana (Member)
4. Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo – Representative of the Ghana Armed Forces (Member)
5. Professor James Sefah Dzisah – Associate Professor, University of Ghana (Member)
In line with Article 146(10) and on the advice of the Council of State, President Mahama has issued a formal warrant for the immediate suspension of the Chief Justice, pending the outcome of the investigation.
This is a rare and consequential event in Ghana’s democratic and legal history, and many are watching closely as the process unfolds. Legal experts, civil society groups, and members of the public have begun to weigh in, underscoring the importance of transparency, due process, and the protection of judicial independence.
The work of the committee in the coming weeks will be critical in determining the outcome of the petitions and may set new precedents for handling high-level judicial accountability in Ghana.
As the story develops, Ghanaians are urged to remain calm and respect the constitutional process, while stakeholders advocate for fairness and justice in handling this landmark issue.