Chief Justice requests copies of petitions seeking her removal from Mahama

Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has requested copies of petitions. These petitions were submitted to President John Dramani Mahama, seeking her removal from office.

On Thursday, March 27, she wrote a letter to the President. In this letter, she asked for access to the documents. This will help her respond appropriately.

Her request follows President Mahama's consultations with the Council of State. This comes after three petitions were submitted calling for her removal.

At the same time, MP Vincent Assafuah has filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court. He questions how the petitions are being handled. His lawyer is Godfred Dame, a former Attorney-General.

Assafuah believes that a Chief Justice should be informed about the petitions first. This would allow her to respond before any consultations with the Council of State occur.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister for Government Communications, confirmed that the petitions have been sent to the Council of State. This is in line with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.

The specific reasons for these petitions have not been disclosed yet. However, this process could lead to significant changes in Ghana’s judiciary.

The Council of State will review these petitions and advise the President on what to do next.

In her letter, Chief Justice Torkornoo emphasized her right to respond to allegations against her. She requested a fair opportunity before any further steps are taken.

She stated, “I humbly ask His Excellency and members of the Council of State to forward the petitions against me.” She also requested at least seven days to provide her response before any consultations begin under Article 146 (6).