The President of the Republic, John Dramani Mahama has removed suspended Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo from office with immediate effect.
The development follows the submission of a report by a committee led by Justice Gabriel Pwamang, which was set up to investigate petitions filed against her conduct in office. The committee presented its findings to the presidency today.
In a press release dated September 1 signed by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu stated that the action taken by the President falls in line with the dictates of Article 146(9) of the 1992 Constitution.
“The President, John Mahama has removed with immediate effect from office, embattled Chief Justice under suspension, Her Ladyship Gertrude Torkornoo after the Pwamang-led Committee submitted its report establishing stated misbehaviour whilst in office after sitting on petitions filed earlier in the year.
“The Presidential directive falls in line with Article 146(9) of our Constitution which spells out the necessary measure to be taken once the allegations preferred against the person in question have been substantiated by the sittings of the committee.
“The compelling reason for the removal is drawn from the petition filed by one Mr Daniel Ofori and upon which the committee found enough grounds to recommend same to the President.
“Per law, the President is bound by the recommendations of the committee under the prevailing circumstances.”
In April 2025, President Mahama triggered the suspension of the Chief Justice following receipt of petitions filed against Gertrude Torkornoo by three private citizens alleging misconduct and stated misbehaviour in the discharge of her duties.
The five-member committee was put in place by the president to thoroughly investigate the allegations made by the petitioners and determine the veracity of the claims.
The decision brings to an end the months-long work of the committee, which investigated the petitions and presented its findings for the President’s action in line with the law.
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Story by Sika Togoh|univers.ug.edu.gh
