Mahama Suspends CJ Torkornoo

Justice Torkornoo Suspended

President John Dramani Mahama has suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo. This suspension is effective immediately. It follows a decision by the Council of State. They found a prima facie case against her based on three petitions.

The suspension aligns with Article 146(10) of the 1992 Constitution. The President consulted with the Council of State before taking this action. A committee was formed to investigate the allegations against her. Justice Torkornoo is the third woman to serve as Chief Justice in Ghana.

On April 22, 2025, the presidency confirmed the suspension in a statement. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister for Government Communications, signed it. The statement noted that the suspension followed advice from the Council of State.

The committee established to investigate includes five members:

- Chairman: Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Supreme Court Justice
- Member: Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, Supreme Court Justice
- Member: Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Former Auditor-General
- Member: Major Flora Barwaanura Dalugo, Ghana Armed Forces
- Member: Professor James Sefah Drisah, Associate Professor at University of Ghana

These members were chosen according to constitutional requirements. The law mandates two Supreme Court Justices and three non-lawyer citizens on such committees.

Government's Position

Mr. Kwakye Ofosu spoke about the President’s decision on a radio program. He emphasized that the President acted within legal bounds. All three petitions alleged misconduct by Chief Justice Torkornoo and sought her removal.

Upon receiving these petitions, the Constitution requires consultation with the Council of State. After review, they determined that a prima facie case exists against her.

When asked about how committee members were selected, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu cited the 1992 Constitution's guidelines for composition requirements.

Justice Torkornoo is now the first sitting Chief Justice suspended under Article 146 procedures in Ghana’s Fourth Republic.