Chief Justice's 10-day deadline to respond to petitions for her removal expires today

The deadline for Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo to respond is today. President John Dramani Mahama set a 10-day deadline on April 7, 2025.

On March 28, the President wrote to her through his Executive Secretary. He requested a preliminary response to three petitions for her removal.

Today marks ten working days since that directive was issued. It is unclear if the Chief Justice has responded yet. The outcome of her response will determine the next steps.

The petitions allege misconduct and incompetence against the Chief Justice. These were submitted by three individuals on February 14 and March 17, 2025.

Article 146 outlines the process for removing Justices of Superior Courts and Chairmen of Regional Tribunals.

1) A Justice or Chairman can only be removed for misbehavior or incompetence. They may also be removed if unable to perform their duties due to health issues.

2) Removal must follow the procedure specified in this article.

3) If a petition is received against a Justice (not the Chief Justice), it goes to her for review.

4) If she finds a prima facie case, she sets up an investigative committee. This committee includes three Justices or Chairmen and two non-lawyers appointed by her with advice from the Council of State.

5) The committee investigates and makes recommendations to the Chief Justice, who forwards them to the President.

6) For petitions against the Chief Justice, a different committee is formed. This includes two Supreme Court Justices and three non-lawyers appointed by the President with Council of State advice.

7) This committee will recommend whether she should be removed from office.

8) All proceedings are confidential, allowing the accused to defend themselves personally or through legal counsel.

9) The President must act according to the committee's recommendations in each case.

10) If referred to a committee, the President may suspend either type of official based on advice from relevant councils.

11) The President can revoke any suspension at any time.