President Mahama suspends Chief Justice Torkornoo

President John Dramani Mahama suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo after a prima facie case was established in response to three separate petitions seeking her removal from office.

The suspension, which took effect on Tuesday, April 22, was made in accordance with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution and consultation with the Council of State.

Though the petitions’ contents have not been publicly disclosed, their submission has sparked widespread debate across legal and political circles, raising serious questions about judicial ethics, leadership, and accountability at the highest level of Ghana’s judiciary.

Chief Justice Torkornoo was formally served with the petitions and given a 10-day period to respond. She submitted her written defence on April 7.

After reviewing her response, President Mahama, in consultation with relevant bodies, concluded that a prima facie case had been established.

In line with constitutional provisions, a five-member committee has been constituted to investigate the matter. The committee includes:

Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Supreme Court Judge – Chairman
Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu Asiedu, Supreme Court Judge – Member
Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Former Auditor-General – Member
Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, Ghana Armed Forces – Member
Prof. James Sefah Dzisah, Associate Professor, University of Ghana – Member

Per Article 146(10), and acting on 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 work.