Ghana's President Mahama Suspends Chief Justice Torkornoo Amid Probe Petitions

Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama has suspended the country's Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, with immediate effect, according to an official statement released by the Presidency Communications department on Tuesday.

The suspension follows the establishment of a prima facie case against the Chief Justice stemming from three separate petitions lodged against her. The statement, dated April 22, 2025, confirmed that President Mahama acted in accordance with Article 146(6) of Ghana's Constitution and following consultation with the Council of State.

"President John Dramani Mahama has, in accordance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State, determined that a prima facie case has been established in respect of three petitions against the Chief Justice," the official communication stated.

Consequently, President Mahama has established a five-member committee, also compliant with Article 146(6), tasked with inquiring into the specific petitions referred to them. The committee comprises a mix of judicial, legal, military, and academic figures:

• Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Justice of the Supreme Court - Chairman
• Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, Justice of the Supreme Court - Member
• Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Former Auditor-General - Member
• Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, Ghana Armed Forces - Member
• Professor James Sefah Dzisah, Associate Professor, University of Ghana - Member

The statement further elaborated that the suspension of Chief Justice Torkornoo was enacted under Article 146(10) of the Constitution. This provision allows the President, acting on the advice of the Council of State, to suspend the Chief Justice by warrant pending the outcome of the committee's investigation into the complaints.

"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 release specified.

The document was signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP, identified as Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications.

The nature of the petitions leading to the suspension was not detailed in the press release. The establishment of the committee marks the formal commencement of proceedings to investigate the allegations against the head of Ghana's judiciary. The suspension will remain in place until the committee concludes its work and presents its findings.