President Mahama Suspends Chief Justice Of Ghana

Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo

Source: Africa Publicity

Ghanaian President, John Dramani Mahama, has suspended the Chief Justice of Ghana, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.

The suspension of Justice Torkonoo follows the establishment of a prima facie case in response to three separate petitions seeking her removal from office.

According to the Presidency, President Mahama made the decision to suspend the Chief Justice in accordance with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution and taken in consultation with the Council of State.

The suspension was announced on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, marking a significant moment in Ghana’s judicial history, as the Chief Justice now faces a formal inquiry into her conduct.

While the specific allegations contained in the petitions have not been publicly disclosed, they have stirred widespread debate within legal and political circles, raising questions about judicial accountability and the integrity of the judiciary’s leadership.

In accordance with constitutional procedures, Justice Torkornoo was furnished with copies of the petitions and given 10 days to respond. She submitted her written response on April 7.

Following a review of the response and further consultations, the President determined that a prima facie case had been established. Consequently, a five-member committee has been set up under Article 146(6) to investigate the matter.

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 – Member

Professor James Sefah Dzisah, Associate Professor, University of Ghana – Member

Per 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 investigations.