President John Dramani Mahama, acting in accordance with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution and following consultations with the Council of State, has determined that a prima facie case has been established regarding three separate petitions filed against the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.

In an official statement released on Tuesday, April 22, the presidency announced that, pursuant to Article 146(10) of the Constitution and based on the Council of State’s advice, President Mahama has issued a warrant suspending Chief Justice Torkornoo with immediate effect. The suspension will remain in place pending the conclusion of investigations by a specially constituted committee tasked with examining the petitions.

The statement, signed by the Minister for Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, emphasized that the decision was made in strict adherence to constitutional provisions to uphold transparency, accountability, and due process within the judiciary.

In line with constitutional requirements, President Mahama has formally established a committee, in consultation with the Council of State, to investigate the matters raised in the petitions. The committee comprises distinguished individuals drawn from the judiciary, public service, military, and academia, reflecting a balanced and credible composition to ensure a thorough and impartial inquiry.

The members of the committee are as follows:

1. Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Justice of the Supreme Court – Chairman
2. Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, Justice of the Supreme Court – Member
3. Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Former Auditor-General – Member
4. Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, Ghana Armed Forces – Member
5. Professor James Sefah Dzisah, Associate Professor, University of Ghana – Member

The committee is mandated to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the allegations presented in the petitions and to submit its findings and recommendations to the President in accordance with constitutional procedures.

This development marks a significant step in safeguarding judicial integrity and reinforces the commitment of the presidency to uphold the rule of law and constitutional governance. The government has assured the public of its dedication to ensuring that the process remains fair, transparent, and free from any external influence.

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President John Dramani Mahama, in a decisive move to uphold constitutional governance and judicial accountability, has suspended the Chief Justice of Ghana, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo. This action follows the establishment of a prima facie case against the Chief Justice based on three separate petitions submitted for the President’s attention. Acting in strict accordance with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution and after due consultation with the Council of State, President Mahama determined that the allegations warranted a formal inquiry.

In an official statement released on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, the presidency announced that, pursuant to Article 146(10) of the Constitution, and following the advice of the Council of State, the President has issued a warrant suspending Chief Justice Torkornoo with immediate effect. The suspension is to remain in force pending the outcome of investigations by a specially constituted committee tasked with probing the matters raised in the petitions. The statement, signed by the Minister for Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, emphasized that this decision reflects the government’s commitment to due process, transparency, and the preservation of public confidence in the judiciary.

According to the statement, the President’s action is not a presumption of guilt but a constitutional requirement once a prima facie case is established against a sitting Chief Justice. The suspension is intended to ensure the integrity and impartiality of the investigative process while protecting the dignity of the office of the Chief Justice and maintaining the sanctity of Ghana’s judicial system.

In line with constitutional provisions, President Mahama has, in consultation with the Council of State, established a five-member committee to conduct a thorough and independent inquiry into the petitions. The composition of the committee reflects a balance of judicial expertise, public accountability, military discipline, and academic insight, ensuring a credible and impartial investigation.

The committee members are as follows:

1. Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Justice of the Supreme Court – Chairman
2. Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, Justice of the Supreme Court – Member
3. Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Former Auditor-General – Member
4. Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, Representative of the Ghana Armed Forces – Member
5. Professor James Sefah Dzisah, Associate Professor at the University of Ghana – Member

These individuals bring a wealth of experience from their respective fields, reinforcing the impartiality and credibility of the investigative process. The committee is mandated to examine the allegations in detail, ensure that both the petitioners and the Chief Justice are accorded a fair hearing, and submit their findings and recommendations to the President as stipulated by the Constitution.

This suspension marks a significant moment in Ghana’s democratic journey, reaffirming the principle that no individual, regardless of rank or office, is above constitutional scrutiny. The government has called for calm and patience as the process unfolds, assuring the public that the proceedings will be conducted with the utmost fairness, integrity, and respect for the rule of law.

The outcome of this inquiry is expected to set a precedent for accountability at the highest levels of the judiciary, further strengthening Ghana’s democratic institutions and reinforcing public trust in constitutional governance.