Mahama petitioned to immediately dissolve committee probing suspended CJ

Alfred Ababio Kumi, a Ghanaian citizen, has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama. He wants the President to dissolve the committee investigating suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.

Kumi claims that the committee members undermine the integrity of the inquiry. He alleges that Justices Gabriel Pwamang and Samuel Adibu-Asiedu met with Thaddeus Sory, a lawyer for one of the petitioners.

This meeting took place on May 15 at Santoku Restaurant. Supreme Court Justice Yonni Kulendi was also present. Kumi says they were overheard discussing matters related to the petition.

In his petition, Kumi stated that this meeting damaged the process's integrity. It has reduced public confidence in the inquiry so far. He noted that Justice Pwamang is interested in becoming Chief Justice after Mahama's election.

Kumi also mentioned that Justice Adibu-Asiedu has lobbied for the Chief Justice position after Anin Yeboah's exit. He called the entire process a potential sham and urged President Mahama to act.

The President formed a committee under Article 146(6) of the Constitution. This was done in consultation with the Council of State. The five-member committee includes:

- Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang – Supreme Court Judge
- Justice Samuel Adibu-Asiedu – Supreme Court Judge
- Daniel Yao Domelovo – Former Auditor-General
- Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo – Member of Ghana Armed Forces
- Professor James Sefah Dzisah – Professor at University of Ghana

Two prominent lawyers from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Tsatsu Tsikata and Thaddeus Sory, represent some petitioners in this probe. Lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormawor also represents another petitioner.

The investigation began on May 15, 2025, 24 days after Torkornoo's suspension from office. During its first private sitting, Tsikata and Sory identified themselves as lawyers for Shining Stars of Ghana, one of three petitioners.

Oliver Barker-Vormawor represented Daniel Ofori, another petitioner. Assistant Commissioner of Police Ayamga Yakubu Akolgo represented himself as a petitioner too.