Majority of Ghanaians support Chief Justice’s removal - Report

A recent poll by Global InfoAnalytics shows that most Ghanaians want Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo removed.

The poll found that 52% of voters support her removal. Only 20% oppose it. Additionally, 18% were neutral, and 10% had no opinion.

Support for her removal is strong in most regions. The Ahafo and Upper East regions are exceptions. In Greater Accra, 58% support her removal, while 16% oppose it. In Ashanti region, 37% favor removal, and 32% oppose it.

In the Central region, 51% support her removal, with 16% opposed. Support spans all education levels. Among those with Junior High School (JHS) education, 57% support her removal; only 17% oppose it.

For Senior High School (SHS) graduates, support is at 50%, with 21% opposing. Among tertiary-educated individuals, 54% favor her removal; 18% oppose it. Those with no formal education are divided: 37% in favor and 30% against.

The poll was conducted from April 7 to April 16 and surveyed 2,545 voters. It has a confidence level of 99%, with a margin of error of ±1.51%.

Background information reveals that the Chief Justice faces criticism for alleged misconduct. Three individuals have petitioned for her removal.

President John Mahama received these petitions and asked the Council of State for advice on how to proceed.

On March 27, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, an MP from Tafo in Ashanti region, sued the Attorney General over constitutional breaches by the president. He claims the president referred the petitions to the Council without notifying the Chief Justice.

On April 16, the Supreme Court adjourned a hearing regarding an injunction application challenging this procedure. The next hearing is set for May 6.