President Mahama suspends Chief Justice Torkornoo amid misconduct petitions
President John Dramani Mahama has suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo following the establishment of a prima facie case against her in connection with three separate petitions calling for her removal from office. A five-member committee has been constituted to probe the allegations, marking a critical phase in the unfolding judicial accountability process.
At the helm of the committee is Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, a sitting Justice of the Supreme Court who has been on the bench since 2015. Joining him is fellow Supreme Court Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, who was appointed in 2022.
Also named to the committee are prominent figures from various sectors of public life: Mr. Daniel Yaw Domelevo, the former Auditor-General known for his strong stance on public accountability; Major Flora Bazaanura Dalugo from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF); and Professor James Sefah Dzisah, an Associate Professor at the University of Ghana.
The petitions accuse Chief Justice Torkornoo of “stated misbehaviour” under provisions outlined in the 1992 Constitution. After receiving the petitions, President Mahama sought the counsel of the Council of State to determine whether a prima facie case could be established.
According to a press statement released Tuesday afternoon [April 22, 2025] by Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Council of State confirmed the existence of a prima facie case in all three petitions.
“The President has consequently, established a committee in compliance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State with the following composition to inquire into the petitions which have been referred to them,” the statement declared.
Read the press statement below.
President Mahama suspends Chief Justice after setting up committee to probe petitions
President John Dramani Mahama has, in accordance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State, determined that a prima facie case has been established in respect of three petitions against the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
The President has consequently, established a committee in compliance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State with the following composition to inquire into the petitions which have been referred to them.
- Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Justice of the Supreme Court – Chairman
- Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, Justice of the Supreme Court – Member
- Daniel Yaw Domelevo (Former Auditor-General) – Member
- Major Flora Bazaanura Dalugo (Ghana Armed Forces) – Member
- Professor James Sefah Dzisah (Associate Professor, University of Ghana) Member
Pursuant to Article 146(10) of the constitution and in accordance with the advice of the Council of State, the President has by a warrant, suspended the Chief Justice with immediate effect pending the outcome of the committee’s proceedings.
