Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has been suspended pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation
President John Dramani Mahama has suspended Ghana’s Chief Justice and head of the judiciary, Justice Gertrude Araba Esaba Torkonoo.
According to a statement signed by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the suspension follows the establishment of a prima facie case against the Chief Justice by the President, in consultation with the Council of State, in relation to three petitions filed against Justice Torkornoo.
“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 statement, dated Tuesday, April 22, 2025, stated.
According to the statement, the President has also established a five-member committee, in compliance with constitutional provisions, to inquire into the petitions, which have been referred to the committee.
“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 added.
Members of the committee, as listed, are:
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 Bazwaanura 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,” it added.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, born September 11, 1962, in Cape Coast, Ghana, was sworn-in as Ghana’s 15th Chief Justice on June 12, 2023, by then-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, becoming the third female in the role.
She joined the judiciary in 2004, rose to the Supreme Court in 2019, and has driven judicial reforms like the E-Justice system. Educated at the University of Ghana and abroad, she is also an author and poet.
GA/MA
