The Chair of the Committee, Justice Gabriel Pwamang (left) presenting the report to President John Dramani Mahama (right) at the Jubilee House in Accra on Monday, September 1, 2025
Ghana’s Article 146 Committee of Inquiry has submitted its first report on petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice (CJ) Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo from office.
On Monday, September 1, 2025, the committee presented the report to President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House.
According to the Presidency, the panel is considering three separate petitions calling for the Chief Justice’s removal.
Presenting the report, the Chair of the Committee, Justice Gabriel Pwamang, explained that the proceedings were conducted in camera in accordance with Article 146(7) and (8). He stressed that the panel deliberately refrained from public commentary despite “blatant false statements made about members of the committee and our work.”
“In camera proceedings are not the same as in secret,” Justice Pwamang clarified, noting that while procedural details may be shared, the substantive issues remain confidential.
On the first petition, filed by Daniel Ofori, the committee heard testimony from 13 witnesses on behalf of the petitioner. The Chief Justice, who also testified under cross-examination, presented 12 witnesses, including experts.
In total, the committee received about 10,000 pages of documentary exhibits, with each side represented by four lawyers.
“After critical and dispassionate examination and assessment of all the evidence, including the expert evidence, against the provisions of the Constitution and the relevant laws, we have, without fear or favour, arrived at a recommendation on the first petition,” Justice Pwamang stated before handing the sealed recommendation to the President.
He further disclosed that both the second petitioner and the Chief Justice requested an adjournment of the second petition, which was granted.
“Accordingly, we shall be reporting on the second and third petitions in due course,” he added.
CJ Fights
The Chief Justice has been fighting her suspension and attempted removal from office. Few weeks ago, she sued the Ghanaian government at the ECOWAS Court.