Ghana’s President Suspends Chief Justice Over Multiple Misconduct Allegations
President John Dramani Mahama has suspended Ghana’s Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo, following the submission of multiple petitions alleging misconduct.
The decision, made public on Monday, comes after the President consulted with the Council of State and determined that there was a prima facie case warranting further investigation. The petitions reportedly accuse Justice Torkornoo of tampering with court records and misappropriating public funds—claims that have sparked widespread national debate and concern about judicial integrity.
In accordance with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution, a five-member committee has been formed to thoroughly investigate the allegations. The committee, chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, includes Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu Asiedu, former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo of the Ghana Armed Forces, and Professor James Sefah Dzisah of the University of Ghana.
Justice Paul Kwadwo Baffoe-Bonnie, the most senior judge on the Supreme Court bench, has been appointed as Acting Chief Justice during the investigation.
Justice Torkornoo, appointed in 2023 by then-President Nana Akufo-Addo, is the third woman to have served as Chief Justice in Ghana’s history. Her suspension marks the first time a sitting Chief Justice in Ghana has been formally investigated through a constitutional process, setting a significant precedent in the country’s legal and political landscape.
President Mahama, who assumed office earlier this year, has vowed to root out corruption and reinforce public confidence in state institutions. “No one is above the law,” he said in a brief statement, adding that the process would be handled with the utmost transparency and fairness.
The Judicial Service has yet to comment officially on the matter. The outcome of the investigation could have far-reaching implications for Ghana’s judiciary and the broader governance system.
