Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo Sacked

President John Dramani Mahama has removed Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkornoo from office.

In a statement issued by the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, on Monday, September 1, 2025, it was announced that her dismissal, in accordance with Article 146(9) of the 1992 Constitution, takes immediate effect.

President Mahama suspends Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo

“President John Dramani Mahama has, in accordance with Article 146(9) of the 1992 Constitution, removed the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, from office with immediate effect,” the statement said.

The statement added that the Pwamang Committee, established to probe petitions seeking her removal, found grounds of misbehavior in the petitions and therefore recommended her dismissal.

“This follows receipt of the report of the Committee constituted under Article 146(6) to inquire into a petition submitted by a Ghanaian citizen, Mr. Daniel Ofori. After considering the petition and the evidence, the Committee found that the grounds of stated misbehaviour under Article 146(1) had been established and recommended her removal from office.

“Under Article 146(9), the President is required to act in accordance with the Committee’s recommendation,” the statement concluded.

Background

In April 2025, President John Dramani Mahamasuspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo following the establishment of a prima facie case against her by the President, in consultation with the Council of State, in relation to three petitions filed against her.

The President also established a five-member committee, in compliance with constitutional provisions, to inquire into the petitions, which were referred to the committee.

The committee was chaired by Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, a Justice of the Supreme Court, with other members including Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu (Justice of the Supreme Court), Daniel Yaw Domelevo (Former Auditor-General), Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo (Ghana Armed Forces), and Professor James Sefah Dzisah (Associate Professor, University of Ghana).

Read the full statement below:


MAG/MA