Pressure mounts on Chief Justice as removal petitions rise to five

The controversy around Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo has intensified. The Office of the President has received two more petitions for her removal.

This brings the total number of petitions against her to five. The latest petitions are from undisclosed authors. They follow three earlier petitions submitted on February 14 and March 17, 2025.

Details of the allegations remain confidential under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution. However, sources suggest claims of misconduct and abuse of office are included.

Pressure increased after a significant constitutional move. Chief Justice Torkornoo was suspended on April 22, 2025. A judicial committee found a prima facie case based on initial complaints.

President John Dramani Mahama acted on this recommendation with the Council of State's consultation. He invoked Article 146(6) to effect the suspension.

Following protocol, Torkornoo received copies of the original petitions. She was given ten days to respond and submitted her defense by April 7. However, this did not stop the committee from deciding a full investigation was needed.

In the meantime, Supreme Court Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie will serve as acting Chief Justice. This is under Article 144(6) until the inquiry concludes.

The situation has sparked national debate, dividing opinions across legal and political lines. Critics in opposition and civil society see it as an attempt to politicize the judiciary.

Some legal experts and members of the ruling party argue that due process is being followed. They believe it should be respected according to constitutional requirements.

Prominent legal scholar Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh calls for greater transparency in these proceedings. He emphasizes that trust in the judiciary must be preserved.

Ghana now awaits a five-member investigative committee's formation. This committee will decide if Torkornoo should be permanently removed from office.

As this legal process unfolds, Ghana faces critical issues regarding judicial independence and executive power limits. The robustness of constitutional checks and balances is also under intense scrutiny.