By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has suspended the country’s Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, with immediate effect, setting up a probe in response to three petitions filed against her, a statement said on Tuesday.
The three petitions are calling for the Chief Justice’s removal, prompting her suspension, which was made in consultation with the Council of State, in accordance with the 1992 Constitution, the statement noted.
After consultations with the Council of State, the President “determined that a prima facie case has been established,” and a committee has been set up to examine the petitions, the statement from his office stated further.
Chief Justice Torkornoo, who is the West African country’s third female justice, was nominated by former President Nana Akufo-Addo and has been in office since June 2023.
Though the details of the allegations against her have not been made public, they have sparked discussion about judicial accountability in the country.
Chief Justice Torkornoo had earlier been given 10 days to respond to the petitions against her and provide a response on April 7.
After reviewing her response, the President confirmed that a prima facie case had been established.
A five-member committee consisting of legal and academic professionals, as well as former officials, has been inaugurated to investigate further.
The committee will work under the provisions of the Constitution.
The Chief Justice will remain suspended until the committee completes its investigation.
She survived a removal request earlier this year when then-President Akufo-Addo said a petition to have her removed from the bench had “several deficiencies.”
