Mahama Suspends CJ Torkornoo

President John Dramani Mahama has suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo from office, with immediate effect, following a determination by the Council of State that a prima facie case has been established against her in respect of three separate petitions.

The suspension, carried out in accordance with Article 146(10) of the 1992 Constitution, comes after the President, in consultation with the Council of State, formed a committee to investigate the allegations levelled against the Chief Justice – the third female to occupy the high office in the history of the Republic of Ghana.

In a statement dated Tuesday, April 22, 2025 and signed by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the presidency confirmed that the suspension was executed upon the advice of the Council of State, as constitutionally mandated.

“In accordance with Article 146(6) and in consultation with the Council of State, President Mahama has established a committee to inquire into the petitions submitted against Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkornoo,” the statement read.

The five-member committee constituted to probe the matter includes:

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 Barwaanura Dalugo, Ghana Armed Forces – Member
5. Professor James Sefah Drisah, Associate Professor, University of Ghana – Member

These members were appointed in accordance with constitutional provisions which require the inclusion of two Supreme Court Justices and three non-lawyer citizens.

Government’s Position

Speaking on a radio programme, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu defended the President’s decision, stressing that the President acted strictly within the bounds of the law.

He said all three petitions alleged acts of misconduct against the Chief Justice and sought her removal from office, adding that upon receipt of such petitions, the Constitution mandates the President to consult with the Council of State.

Mr. Kwakye Ofosu added that the Council, after due consideration, established that a prima facie case exists.

When questioned on the selection criteria for the committee members, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu referred to the 1992 Constitution, which he said explicitly outlines the composition requirements for such a committee.

Her Ladyship Justice Torkornoo becomes the first sitting Chief Justice in Ghana’s Fourth Republic to be suspended under Article 146 procedures.

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