Mahama petitioned to dissolve committee probing Chief Justice

Alfred Ababio Kumi, a Ghanaian citizen, has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama. He requests the immediate dissolution of a five-member committee. This committee is investigating petitions for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.

Kumi's petition claims serious breaches of judicial conduct by committee members. He believes these breaches undermine the integrity of the inquiry. The petition was addressed to the President and dated shortly after the committee’s first meeting on May 15, 2025.

Mr. Kumi expressed concern over a compromising meeting between two committee members. Justices Gabriel Pwamang and Samuel Adibu-Asiedu met with Thaddeus Sory, counsel for one petitioner. This meeting took place on May 15 at Santoku Restaurant in Accra’s Airport Residential Area.

Supreme Court Justice Yonni Kulendi also attended this meeting. They were reportedly overheard discussing matters related to the petition. Kumi argues this constitutes a serious conflict of interest and breaches judicial ethics.

“The meeting between Justices Pwamang, Kulendi, and Asiedu with Thaddeus Sory clearly has destroyed the integrity of the process,” reads Kumi's petition. He further alleges that Justice Pwamang previously ruled in favor of Sory's client while Chief Justice Torkornoo took opposing positions.

Kumi noted that Justices Kulendi, Pwamang, and Adibu-Asiedu had prior interest in becoming Chief Justice. They were reportedly disappointed after President Akufo-Addo appointed Justice Torkornoo instead.

“Justice Pwamang is known to be interested in becoming Chief Justice,” Kumi stated. “Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu actively lobbied for this position after Justice Anin Yeboah.”

The petitioner described the judges’ conduct as “deplorable” and “most unbecoming.” He insists it compromises their ability to fairly adjudicate the petitions before them.

The five-member committee was announced by the presidency on April 22, 2025. It includes:
1. Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang – Supreme Court Judge
2. Justice Samuel Adibu-Asiedu – Supreme Court Judge
3. Daniel Yao Domelovo – Former Auditor-General
4. Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo – Member of the Ghana Armed Forces
5. Professor James Sefah Dzisah – Professor at University of Ghana

The committee was formed under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution to investigate three separate petitions for removing Chief Justice Torkornoo. Its inaugural sitting was scheduled for May 15.

Kumi concluded his petition by calling the process a potential “sham.” He urged President Mahama to act swiftly to protect public trust in justice administration.

The Office of the President has not yet responded officially to this petition.