President John Mahama has officially removed Ghana’s Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, from office on grounds of stated misbehavior. The removal takes effect immediately, following constitutional procedures outlined in Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
The decision came after the President received the report of a special committee established under Article 146(6) to investigate petitions brought against the Chief Justice. The lead petition was filed by a Ghanaian citizen, Daniel Ofori, and was one of three separate petitions submitted.
According to the report, the committee reviewed witness testimonies, documents, and other pieces of evidence before reaching its conclusion. It found that Chief Justice Torkornoo’s actions fell under “stated misbehavior” as defined by Article 146(1) of the Constitution. Based on its findings, the committee strongly recommended her removal.
Under Article 146(9), the President is bound by law to act on such a recommendation. Hours after receiving the committee’s report, President Mahama complied with the constitutional requirement and dismissed the Chief Justice.
A statement issued by the Presidency, signed by Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, confirmed the action. The statement emphasized that the decision takes immediate effect, bringing an abrupt end to Gertrude Torkornoo’s tenure as head of the judiciary.
This development is one of the most significant in Ghana’s judicial and political landscape in recent years. The removal of a sitting Chief Justice is a rare constitutional process and highlights the checks and balances embedded in Ghana’s democratic system.
With this decision, attention now shifts to who President Mahama will nominate as the next Chief Justice to lead the judiciary and restore public confidence.