The President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has suspended the Chief Justice of Ghana, Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, from office.
Her removal, according to a statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister in Charge of Government Communication, is by Article 146(6) of the Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State, which determined that a prima facie case has been established in respect of three petitions against Her Ladyship.
The statement issued on Tuesday, April 22 said, “Pursuant to Article 146(10) of the constitution and in accordance with the advice of the Council of State, the President has by a warrant, suspended the Chief Justice with immediate effect pending the outcome of the committee’s proceedings.”
The statement added that, “The President has consequently established a committee in compliance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State, with the following composition to inquire into the petitions which have been referred to them.
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.”
Specific information regarding the allegations that the five-member inquiry committee will examine has not been disclosed.
Mahama, who assumed office in January, has vowed to combat corruption in the West African country.
Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Pwamang chairs the investigation committee, which also includes former auditor-general Daniel Domelevo.
At 61 years old, Torkornoo was appointed in June 2023, making her Ghana’s 15th Chief Justice and the third woman to hold this position.
While previous judicial leaders have departed due to retirement or political changes, her suspension marks the first instance of a sitting chief justice being subjected to a formal investigation through a constitutional process.
