Chief Justice requests copies of petitions seeking her removal

The Chief Justice of Ghana, Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, has made a formal request. She asked for copies of the petitions submitted to President John Dramani Mahama. These petitions seek her removal from office.

In her letter to the President and the Council of State, she expressed concern. She highlighted the lack of due process in her case. Justice Torkornoo stated that she has not seen the allegations against her. She also noted that she has not had a chance to respond.

She referred to constitutional provisions and legal precedents. These require an accused person to be informed of charges before action is taken. On March 25, 2025, a statement from the Presidency confirmed receipt of three petitions. These were forwarded to the Council of State for consultation under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution.

However, as of March 27, she still had not received copies of these petitions. Justice Torkornoo pointed out that past cases allowed judges to respond first. This standard procedure should apply to her situation as well.

She cited a Supreme Court case: Agyei-Twum v Attorney-General and Akwettey [2005-2006] SCGLR 732. In this case, both evidence in the petitions and her response should guide consultations between the President and Council of State. This should happen before forming an investigative committee.

Justice Torkornoo urged both the President and Council of State to provide copies of the petitions. She requested at least seven days to respond before they conclude their consultations.

Her request raises important questions about fairness and transparency in this process. Observers and legal experts are closely monitoring how this appeal will be handled by the Presidency and Council of State.