Respond to petitions seeking your removal within 10 days — Mahama to Chief Justice

President John Dramani Mahama has directed Chief Justice Gertrude Esaaba Torkornoo to submit her preliminary response to petitions seeking her removal within ten days.

In a letter dated March 28 and signed by the Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, the Presidency stated that due process would be followed in handling the petitions and assured the Chief Justice of a fair opportunity to be heard.

“His Excellency wishes to assure you that due process will be followed in handling this matter and that you will be given a full and fair opportunity to be heard,” the letter said.

“Accordingly, you are respectfully requested to submit your preliminary response to the petitions within ten (10) days of receipt of this letter to facilitate further consultation between His Excellency and the Council of State,” it added.

The Presidency disclosed that it had received three petitions from individuals requesting the removal of the Chief Justice.

Two were dated February 14, 2025, while the third was dated March 17, 2025. Copies of these petitions were forwarded to the Chief Justice for her response.

Before this directive, the Chief Justice had written to President Mahama on March 27, requesting full copies of the petitions to enable her to respond.

She also asked for at least seven days to provide her response, which she said should form part of the material for consultations under Article 146(6) before any possible committee is set up under Article 146(7).

However, President Mahama expressed disappointment that the Chief Justice’s letter requesting the petitions had been circulated on social media before he could review its contents.