Torkornoo Saga: Mahama Receives Report on Petitions for Removal of Chief Justice
- President John Mahama received the report of the committee looking into the potential removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo
- Mahama has received five petitions in all for the removal of Torkornoo, leading to her suspension
- A committee started probing Torkornoo based on the first three petitions, accusing her of misconduct and abuse of power
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The committee probing petitions for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has handed over its report to President John Mahama.
The committee chair, Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, assured that the probe was done without prejudice.
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Pwamang also said it had decided on a recommendation for the first petition.
“After critical and dispassionate examination and assessment of all the evidence, including the expert evidence against the provisions of the Constitution and the relevant laws, we have, without fear or favour, arrived at a recommendation on the first petition."
On the first petition, filed by one Daniel Ofori, the committee heard evidence from 13 witnesses on behalf of the petitioner.
The Chief Justice, who also testified and was cross-examined, called 12 witnesses, including experts.
In all, the panel received about 10,000 pages of documentary exhibits from both sides. Each side was represented by four lawyers.
The second petitioner, as well as the Chief Justice, requested an adjournment of the second petition, which the committee granted.
Pwamang said reports on the second and third petitions will be ready in due time.
Other members of the committee include former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo; Major Flora Bazaanura Dalugo of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF); and Professor James Sefah Dzisah, Associate Professor at the University of Ghana.
Background to Torkornoo's legal troubles
Mahama has received five petitions in all for the removal of Torkonoo, leading to her suspension.
A committee started probing Torkonoo based on the first three petitions, which have accused the chief justice of misconduct and abuse of power.
Torkornoo, on May 21, unsuccessfully sued the committee set up by Mahama to investigate petitions seeking her removal from office.
According to court documents, the Chief Justice sought an order specifically barring Pwamang and Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, as well as other committee members from participating in the investigation.
Torkornoo also complained about the choice of Osu Castle for the hearings, which is a security zone.
She also noted that this was at odds with previous similar inquiries conducted at the Judicial Service’s Court Complex.
The suspended Chief Justice further raised concerns about the committee’s failure to provide the legal basis or criteria for establishing a substantial case against her.
When was Torkornoo suspended?
Mahama suspended Torkonoo in April after the allegations against her were found to have substance.
The suspension marked a first in Ghana's history, and a committee has been established to investigate the claims against the Chief Justice.
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Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana governs the removal of a Chief Justice.
The suspension prompted protest from the opposition, who organised a demonstration march.
Copies of the petitions against Torkornoo were not initially made available to her, prompting concerns about due process.
Torkornoo sued the government for $10 million in compensation as part of the fight against her impeachment.
Torkornoo claims threats made against her life
YEN.com.gh reported earlier that Torkornoo alleged that she had received several threats demanding her resignation following her suspension.
Despite the alleged threats, Torkornoo remained determined to challenge the process and demonstrate that it was fundamentally flawed.
The suspended Chief Justice made these claims at a press conference held in Accra on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
Despite the claims, Torkornoo stressed that she would not resign amid her legal travails and possible impeachment.
Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
