President Mahama Suspends Chief Justice Torkornoo Over Allegations

President John Dramani Mahama has officially suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo following the establishment of a prima facie case based on three petitions calling for her removal from office.

This dramatic development—announced on Tuesday, April 22—is grounded in Article 146(6) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution and comes after consultations with the Council of State. It marks an unprecedented moment in Ghana’s judicial history as the nation’s top judge now faces a formal inquiry into her conduct.

While the specific details of the petitions remain undisclosed, they’ve ignited intense debate across legal and political arenas, sparking wider discussions around judicial accountability and the credibility of leadership within the judiciary.

Chief Justice Torkornoo was given the constitutionally mandated 10 days to respond after receiving the petitions, submitting her reply on April 7. After evaluating her response and further consultations, the President concluded that grounds for further investigation exist.

A five-member committee has now been constituted to probe the matter:

• Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang (Supreme Court) – Chairman

  

• Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu Asiedu (Supreme Court) – Member

• Daniel Yaw Domelevo (Former Auditor-General) – Member

• Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo (Ghana Armed Forces) – Member

• Professor James Sefah Dzisah (University of Ghana) – Member

Per Article 146(10), the Chief Justice has been suspended with immediate effect pending the outcome of the inquiry.

As the committee prepares to delve into the case, Ghana’s judicial and political future may be entering a defining chapter—one likely to echo far beyond courtroom walls.