ACCRA, GHANA — President John Dramani Mahama has formally suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo following the emergence of what the presidency has described as “sufficient grounds” to warrant a full investigation into her conduct.
The announcement, made on Monday, April 22, has sparked widespread national discussion and renewed scrutiny on the independence and accountability of Ghana’s judiciary — a key pillar of the country’s democracy.
Presidential Action Backed by Constitution
The suspension follows the submission of three separate petitions calling for the removal of the Chief Justice. In compliance with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, President Mahama acted upon the recommendations of the Council of State and formed a special committee to delve into the matter.
In a statement released by the Office of the President, the government emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly. “After careful review of the Chief Justice’s written response, the President is satisfied that a prima facie case has been made,” the statement said.
The President formally notified the Chief Justice of her suspension and the commencement of the inquiry in a letter dated April 22. The suspension will remain in effect throughout the investigation period.
Petitions and Confidential Allegations
While the specific details of the allegations against Justice Torkornoo remain confidential, legal analysts have confirmed that the petitions were submitted by multiple civic groups and legal stakeholders citing concerns over alleged administrative and ethical breaches.
According to a source familiar with the process, the Chief Justice was given a ten-day window to respond to the charges, which she met by submitting her written defense on April 7. The contents of her response have not been made public.
Formation of Investigative Committee
To ensure a fair and impartial process, President Mahama has constituted a five-member committee comprising senior legal scholars, retired judges, and members of the legal fraternity. The committee is expected to work independently and in accordance with constitutional provisions.
Legal analyst and lecturer at the University of Ghana Law School, Dr. Kwame Ofori, said the creation of the committee is “a necessary step in ensuring due process is observed while upholding public confidence in the judiciary.”
The committee has the mandate to hear testimonies, review evidence, and make recommendations on whether the Chief Justice should be removed from office.
Public and Political Reactions
The news of the Chief Justice’s suspension has elicited a wide range of reactions from political figures, legal professionals, and civil society leaders.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament on Tuesday, Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, stated, “This is not just about an individual; it’s about the integrity of the judicial system. The process must be thorough, transparent, and fair.”
The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) also weighed in, urging calm and respect for due process. In a statement, the GBA noted, “We encourage all Ghanaians to allow the constitutional mechanisms to function without prejudice or speculation. The rule of law must remain the guiding principle.”
A Significant Moment for Judicial Accountability
Justice Torkornoo, appointed in June 2023 as the 15th Chief Justice of Ghana and the third woman to hold the post, has been a prominent figure in Ghana’s legal system for decades. Her career spans service on the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court.
Her suspension marks one of the rare instances in Ghanaian history where a sitting Chief Justice faces formal inquiry. It raises important questions about how allegations of misconduct at the highest levels of the judiciary are handled in a constitutional democracy.
“It’s a constitutional test for Ghana,” said human rights lawyer Akua Asantewaa. “The country must demonstrate that no one is above the law — not even those who interpret it.”
Implications for Judicial Administration
Until the investigative committee concludes its work, the administration of the judiciary will be overseen by the most senior Supreme Court Justice available, in accordance with judicial administrative procedures.
Court operations and pending cases are expected to continue without disruption, but observers say the development could have a chilling effect on the public perception of judicial independence in the short term.
“This case underscores the need for stronger institutional checks within our judiciary,” said Prof. Kofi Abaka, a constitutional law expert. “We must use this moment to reflect on how to build a more accountable and transparent system.”
Next Steps in the Inquiry
The committee will begin its formal hearings in the coming weeks, with timelines to be communicated through official channels. Under Article 146, the committee will submit a final report to the President with recommendations. Should the committee recommend removal, the President is empowered to take final action.
While the process unfolds, both the judiciary and the executive have called for restraint from media speculation and urged the public to respect the integrity of the constitutional procedure.
A Delicate Balancing Act for President Mahama
President Mahama’s decision comes in his first year back in office after winning Ghana’s 2024 general election. His administration has pledged to uphold the rule of law and strengthen institutions, making this case a potential litmus test for his reformist agenda.
“We are committed to ensuring that the judiciary remains a strong, impartial, and respected institution,” a spokesperson for the presidency told AfricaLiveNews on Tuesday. “This process is about strengthening public trust, not undermining it.”
As Ghanaians wait for the outcome of the inquiry, the spotlight remains firmly on Accra — and on what this high-profile case means for the future of justice in the country.
