Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo has been suspended by President John Dramani Mahama after a prima facie case was established against her. This action complies with Ghana’s 1992 Constitution’s Article 146(6), which gives the President the authority to suspend any justice—including the Chief Justice—after making such a finding.
Three different petitions calling for her removal from office have led to the suspension. President Mahama determined that there were enough reasons to support additional investigation after speaking with the Council of State and reviewing her written response, which was sent on April 7, 2025.
As a result, a five-person committee has been formed to look into the issue. The committee is made up of:
• Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang – Justice of the Supreme Court (Chairman)
• Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu Asiedu – Justice of the Supreme Court
• Daniel Yaw Domelevo – Former Auditor-General
• Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo – Ghana Armed Forces
• Professor James Sefah Dzisah – Associate Professor, University of Ghana
Until the committee’s hearings are concluded, the Chief Justice has been placed on immediate leave.
Questions concerning judicial accountability and the integrity of the judiciary’s leadership have been raised by this development, which has generated a great deal of discussion in Ghana’s legal and political circles.
