President Akufo-Addo dismisses petition for Chief Justice's removal

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has rejected a petition filed by Prof Stephen Kwaku Asare seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

The petition alleged misconduct and incompetence on the part of the Chief Justice.

In a statement issued on January 6, 2025, the Presidency disclosed that after thorough consultation with the Council of State, it was determined that the petition lacked sufficient merit to proceed.

The statement emphasized that the allegations outlined in the petition failed to establish a prima facie case against the Chief Justice.

It further noted that the claims were not supported by adequate evidence or documentation to substantiate the accusations.

“The Office of the President wishes to inform the general public that, after a thorough and careful review of the petition for the removal of the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in consultation with the Council of State, has concluded that the petition does not disclose a prima facie case warranting further action,” the statement read.

The Presidency cautioned against attempts to undermine the judiciary through what it described as "baseless allegations."

It reaffirmed the importance of respecting constitutional provisions and processes when addressing grievances involving judicial officers.