President John Dramani Mahama has dismissed Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo from office, bringing an end to her tenure as head of Ghana’s judiciary. The decision follows months of investigation into allegations of misconduct and marks the first time in Ghana’s history that a Chief Justice has been removed under the constitutional process outlined in Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
The controversy surrounding Justice Torkornoo began in April when petitions accusing her of misbehaviour, including misuse of public funds and abuse of office, were submitted to the presidency. After consulting the Council of State, President Mahama determined that a prima facie case existed and suspended her pending further inquiry. A five-member committee made up of senior judges was subsequently tasked with investigating the allegations.
The committee’s report, submitted last week, upheld the claims and recommended her removal. Acting on this advice, the president announced on Monday that Justice Torkornoo had been relieved of her duties with immediate effect. The presidency emphasized that the decision was guided strictly by constitutional provisions and due process.
Justice Torkornoo has, however, rejected the findings and insists the accusations are politically motivated. In a statement released through her legal team, she described the entire process as an attempt to undermine judicial independence and declared her commitment to clearing her name.
Gertrude Torkornoo, who became the country’s third female Chief Justice in June 2023 after being nominated by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, had served on the Supreme Court since 2019. Her removal leaves a significant vacancy at the top of Ghana’s judicial hierarchy. In the interim, senior Supreme Court judge Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie is expected to assume the role of Acting Chief Justice until a substantive appointment is made.
The development has sparked intense public debate. Supporters of the decision argue that it demonstrates the strength of Ghana’s constitutional safeguards and the accountability of even the highest judicial officers. Critics, however, warn that the speed of the process and the political climate surrounding the case could set a troubling precedent for the independence of the judiciary.
As the nation absorbs the news, attention now turns to the presidency and the Judicial Council, with Ghanaians awaiting the nomination of a new Chief Justice. Although President Mahama appointed Justice Baffoe Bonnie as acting Chief Justice when Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo got suspended. The removal of Justice Torkornoo is certain to remain a defining moment in the country’s legal and political landscape for years to come.
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