President John Mahama Suspends Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo

April 22, 2025

President John Dramani Mahama has, by Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution and following consultation with the Council of State, determined that a prima facie case has been established concerning three petitions submitted against the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo. Consequently, the President has constituted a five-member committee to investigate the allegations. The committee comprises Justices Gabriel Scott Pwamang and Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu of the Supreme Court, Mr. Daniel Yaw Domelevo (former Auditor-General), Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo of the Ghana Armed Forces, and Professor James Sefah Dzisah, Associate Professor at the University of Ghana.

In line with Article 146(10) of the Constitution, and acting upon the advice of the Council of State, President Mahama has issued a warrant suspending Chief Justice Torkornoo with immediate effect, pending the outcome of the committee’s proceedings.

This development has sparked significant legal and political discourse, with some commentators questioning the timing and implications of the suspension. Notably, the Supreme Court had previously adjourned hearings on a suit challenging the processes leading to the Chief Justice’s potential removal, highlighting the complex interplay between constitutional procedures and judicial independence in Ghana.

This is developing story. stay tuned for more updates