President John Dramani Mahama has officially removed the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, from office, following the recommendation of a constitutional committee of inquiry.
According to a statement released by the Presidency Communications Directorate, the decision was made in accordance with Article 146(9) of the 1992 Constitution, and takes immediate effect.
The removal comes after President Mahama received the final report from the Committee constituted under Article 146(6). The committee was tasked with investigating a petition submitted by Ghanaian citizen Mr. Daniel Ofori, who alleged misconduct on the part of the Chief Justice.
After a detailed inquiry into the petition and the accompanying evidence, the committee concluded that there were sufficient grounds of stated misbehavior under Article 146(1). Based on these findings, it recommended the removal of Chief Justice Torkornoo from office.
The Presidency noted that under Article 146(9), the President is constitutionally obliged to act in accordance with the committee’s recommendation.
The official communication, signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu (MP), Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, affirmed the government’s adherence to constitutional processes and assured the public of its commitment to upholding the rule of law.
Chief Justice Torkornoo’s removal marks a historic and controversial moment in Ghana’s judicial history, and further reactions from the judiciary, legal community, and political stakeholders are expected in the coming days.
