President Mahama suspends Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo amid probe of petition

President John Dramani Mahama has taken the extraordinary step of suspending the Chief Justice of Ghana, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, following the establishment of a prima facie case in response to three separate petitions filed against her.

In a press release issued by the Presidency on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, and signed by Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, it was announced that the President had acted in accordance with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution. The move was made after consultations with the Council of State, which determined that there was sufficient merit in the allegations to warrant further inquiry.

According to the statement, the President has constituted a five-member committee to investigate the petitions. The committee is composed of high-profile figures across the judiciary, civil service, academia, and the military. The members include:

1. Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Justice of the Supreme Court – Chairman

2. Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, Justice of the Supreme Court – Member

3. Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Former Auditor-General – Member

4. Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, Ghana Armed Forces – Member

5. Professor James Sefah Dzisah, Associate Professor, University of Ghana – Member

The committee has been mandated to probe the allegations and submit its findings to the President.

In line with Article 146(10) of the Constitution, President Mahama has issued a formal warrant suspending Chief Justice Torkornoo from office with immediate effect. This suspension will remain in place until the committee concludes its work and presents its report.

“This suspension is a constitutional measure designed to protect the integrity of the investigation process and does not constitute a judgment of guilt,” the statement emphasized.

This development marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s judicial history, as it underscores the President’s constitutional authority to act on petitions involving senior judicial officers and reinforces the principle of accountability at the highest levels of governance.

The outcome of the committee’s investigation is expected to have far-reaching implications for the judiciary and the broader legal and political landscape.