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 suspension, executed in accordance with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution and undertaken in consultation with the Council of State, was formally announced on Tuesday, April 22. The decision marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s legal history, as the nation’s highest-ranking judicial officer now faces an official investigation into her conduct.
While the details of the petitions remain undisclosed, their emergence has ignited widespread public discourse on the integrity of the judiciary and the standards to which its leaders are held.
Chief Justice Torkornoo, who was served with copies of the petitions earlier this month, responded in writing by April 7. After a thorough review of her response and consultations with key constitutional bodies, President Mahama concluded that the petitions warranted further investigation.
As per constitutional provisions, a five-member committee has been constituted to lead the inquiry. The panel includes:
Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Supreme Court Justice – Chairman
Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu Asiedu, Supreme Court Justice – 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
Under Article 146(10), and acting on the Council of State’s advice, President Mahama has issued a warrant for the immediate suspension of Chief Justice Torkornoo until the committee concludes its investigation.
