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President John Dramani Mahama has suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo after a prima facie case was established in connection with three separate petitions seeking her removal from office.
The suspension, announced on Tuesday, April 22, was made in accordance with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution and was carried out in consultation with the Council of State. This unprecedented move marks a watershed moment in Ghana’s judicial history, as the nation’s top judicial officer now faces formal investigation.
While the specific allegations in the petitions have not been made public, they have generated significant public interest and debate, with commentators across political and legal spheres weighing in on what it means for the integrity and accountability of Ghana’s judiciary.
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Per constitutional procedure, the Chief Justice was provided copies of the petitions and granted 10 days to respond. Her written response was submitted on April 7. Following a review of her submission and further consultation, the president concluded that a prima facie case had been made, paving the way for an official probe.
A five-member committee has since been constituted to investigate the allegations. The members include:
- Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Supreme Court Judge – Chairman
- Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu Asiedu, Supreme Court Judge – Member
- Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Former Auditor-General – Member
- Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, Ghana Armed Forces – Member
- Prof. James Sefah Dzisah, Associate Professor, University of Ghana – Member
Following the advice of the Council of State and in line with Article 146(10) of the Constitution, President Mahama has issued a warrant for the immediate suspension of the Chief Justice pending the committee’s findings.
Legal analysts say the coming weeks could be pivotal in shaping Ghana’s democratic and judicial future, as the committee’s work is closely watched both locally and internationally.
The outcome of the investigation may either reinstate Chief Justice Torkornoo or lead to her removal from office, depending on the committee’s findings and recommendations.
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