President Mahama sacks Chief Justice Torkornoo
President John Mahama has removed Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office following her suspension.
This comes after the five-member Committee of Inquiry presented its first report on petitions seeking her removal.
This was communicated through a statement signed by the Spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
The statement said that after considering the petition and evidence submitted by a Ghanaian citizen, Daniel Ofori, the “Committee found that the grounds of stated misbehaviour under Article 146(1) had been established and recommended her removal from office.”
Per Article 146(9) of the Constitution, the President is bound to act in accordance with the Committee’s findings and recommendations.
In March 2025, three separate petitions were submitted to the President under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, requesting the removal of the Chief Justice.
The petitions were subsequently referred to the Committee, and the Chief Justice was subsequently suspended in April 2025.
The Committee held its proceedings in camera, as required by law.
Justice Torkornoo, however, put up a spirited defence throughout the proceedings.
In July 2025, she called on the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice to order the Ghanaian government to pay her $10 million in compensation for moral and reputational damages.
Justice Torkornoo asserted that her suspension breaches her right to a fair hearing, as guaranteed by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
This followed over five legal actions, primarily at the Supreme Court, aiming to halt the committee’s activities.
The ousted Chief Justice also requested the Supreme Court to suspend proceedings, arguing that her rights were infringed upon during the investigation.
She claimed she faced rigorous searches before hearings and was prohibited from accessing her electronic devices.
After the Supreme Court declined her request, she escalated the case to the High Court, which has not yet rendered a decision.
Below is the full statement
