In a dramatic twist that has sent shockwaves through Ghana’s legal and political circles, President John Dramani Mahama has suspended the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, and set up a committee to investigate allegations brought against her.
The suspension follows the submission of three separate petitions requesting her removal from office. According to a statement from the Office of the President, after thorough consultation with the Council of State, a prima facie case was determined to exist, justifying the Chief Justice’s temporary removal from office pending further inquiry.
Though the specific content of the petitions remains undisclosed to the public, the President’s action has been guided by constitutional provisions that permit the suspension of high-ranking judicial officers under such circumstances.
Justice Torkornoo, who was sworn in as Chief Justice in June 2023 by then-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is Ghana’s third female Chief Justice and a respected figure in the legal fraternity. Her suspension marks a historic moment in the country’s democratic evolution and underscores the seriousness with which allegations against senior public officials are now being treated.
This is not the first time her position has been challenged. Earlier in 2024, a removal petition was submitted during President Akufo-Addo’s administration, but it was dismissed on procedural grounds due to “fundamental defects and inconsistencies.”
The newly formed investigative committee, as stipulated by the Constitution, will probe the allegations to determine their validity and recommend further action. In the meantime, an acting Chief Justice is expected to be appointed to ensure continuity in the administration of justice.
Reactions have been mixed across the country. While some legal analysts applaud the President’s decision as a sign of judicial accountability, others warn that it could spark political tensions and must be handled transparently to maintain public trust.
As Ghana closely watches this unfolding constitutional process, the outcome of the investigation could have long-term implications for judicial independence and the checks and balances within the nation’s governance structure.
