President John Dramani Mahama has suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo following the establishment of a prima facie case in response to three separate petitions seeking her removal from office. The decision, in line with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution and taken in consultation with the Council of State, was announced on Tuesday, April 22. It marks a significant moment in Ghana’s judicial history, as the country’s top judge 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, Chief 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.
The coming weeks are expected to shape a defining chapter in Ghana’s constitutional and judicial landscape, as the committee begins its inquiry into the petitions.
By: Kobina Welsing
