CJ requests copies of petitions seeking her removal from President Mahama

Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has formally requested copies of the petitions submitted to President John Dramani Mahama, calling for her removal from office.

In a letter addressed to the President on Thursday, March 27, the Chief Justice appealed for access to the documents to enable her to properly respond to the allegations leveled against her.

In the letter to the President, Chief Justice Torkornoo insisted on her right to a fair opportunity to respond before any further action is taken.

“I am by this letter humbly and respectfully asking His Excellency the President and eminent members of the Council of State to forward the petitions against me to me, and allow me at least seven days after receipt of same, to provide my response to you, which response can then form part of the material that you conduct the consultations anticipated under 146 (6), before the possible setting up of a Committee of Inquiry under Article 146 (7),” she stated.

Her request follows President Mahama’s decision to initiate consultations with the Council of State after receiving three separate petitions seeking her removal.

The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, confirmed that the petitions have been forwarded to the Council of State by Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.

Although the specific grounds for the petitions remain undisclosed, the move signals the beginning of a constitutional process that could have significant implications for Ghana’s judiciary.

Meanwhile, the matter has sparked legal action, with New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Assafuah, filing a lawsuit at the Supreme Court to challenge the procedure being followed.

Represented by former Attorney-General Godfred Dame, the plaintiff argues that the Chief Justice must first be allowed to respond to the allegations before the President can proceed with consultations with the Council of State.

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