PMMC Acting MD Alleges Chief Justice Misused Public Funds for Private Family Trip.
The Acting Managing Director of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) has made serious accusations against the suspended Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkonoo, alleging the misuse of public funds to finance a private family trip abroad.
Speaking on Asempa FM on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, the National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, claimed that Justice Torkonoo spent nearly GH₵260,000 on business class air tickets and approximately $30,000 in per diem allowances for her husband and two daughters.
According to Gyamfi, current travel policy for senior public officials permits the Chief Justice to travel with only one person — a bodyguard — on private trips. Any additional individuals must be self-sponsored.
“If a Chief Justice embarks on a private trip, the state is only obligated to cover expenses for a security officer. All other costs must be borne personally,” Gyamfi stated.
He accused Justice Torkonoo of violating this rule by charging the state for her entire family's travel expenses, despite receiving a significant salary.
“She used public funds — taxes from struggling Ghanaians — to fly her family business class and even gave them dollar per diems. How can this be justified?” he added.
Gyamfi also criticized the Chief Justice’s response to a petition for her removal, where she reportedly cited official travel privileges to justify the trip.
In response, President John Dramani Mahama suspended Justice Torkonoo on April 22, 2025, after determining, in consultation with the Council of State, that a prima facie case had been established against her based on three petitions.
A five-member committee has been appointed under Article 146(6) of the Constitution to investigate the allegations. Members include:
- Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Supreme Court – Chair
- Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, Supreme Court – Member
- Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, Ghana Armed Forces – Member
- Professor James Sefah Dzisah, University of Ghana – Member
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