President Mahama Suspends Chief Justice to Allow Fair Probe into Petitions
In a bold and constitutionally grounded move, President John Dramani Mahama has taken the significant step of suspending the Chief Justice of Ghana, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo. This decision follows the establishment of a prima facie case in relation to three petitions filed against the Chief Justice. In accordance with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the President, in consultation with the Council of State, has acted to ensure a fair and transparent inquiry process.
The announcement, made via an official release from the Presidency Communications on April 22, 2025, reveals that a high-powered committee has been established to investigate the allegations leveled against the Chief Justice. The five-member committee includes respected figures from Ghana's legal, academic, and military institutions. Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, a Justice of the Supreme Court, will serve as the Chairman of the committee. He is joined by fellow Supreme Court Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo of the Ghana Armed Forces, and Professor James Sefah Dzish, an Associate Professor from the University of Ghana.
This committee has been tasked with delving into the substance of the petitions to determine whether the allegations have merit. The composition of the committee highlights the administration’s commitment to an impartial process, ensuring a blend of judicial, administrative, academic, and military perspectives.
Pursuant to Article 146(10) of the Constitution, the President, acting on the advice of the Council of State, has suspended Justice Torkornoo pending the outcome of the committee’s investigations. The suspension is procedural and not an indictment of guilt; it serves to safeguard the integrity of the judiciary and ensure that the inquiry is not influenced or compromised.
This development marks a crucial moment in Ghana’s democratic journey. It underscores the importance of checks and balances in governance and reinforces the principle that no officeholder is above constitutional scrutiny. The move is likely to attract significant national attention in the coming days, with many Ghanaians watching closely to see how the inquiry unfolds.
As always, the Presidency has reaffirmed its dedication to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice is not only done but seen to be done. The outcome of this process will certainly have a lasting impact on Ghana's judicial and democratic landscape.
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In a bold and constitutionally grounded move, President John Dramani Mahama has taken the significant step of suspending the Chief Justice of Ghana, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo. This decision follows the establishment of a prima facie case in relation to three petitions filed against the Chief Justice. In accordance with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the President, in consultation with the Council of State, has acted to ensure a fair and transparent inquiry process.
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