President John Dramani Mahama has officially removed Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Torkornoo from office, marking a dramatic escalation in the national judicial crisis. Her removal follows an ongoing investigation stemming from three misconduct petitions that led to her unprecedented suspension in April.
From Suspension to Dismissal
In April 2025, President Mahama suspended Chief Justice Torkornoo after receiving petitions alleging misconduct. The Council of State had advised that a prima facie case existed, leading to the formation of a five-member investigative committee.
The suspension was upheld by the Supreme Court in May, marking Ghana’s first-ever suspension of a sitting Chief Justice under the 1992 Constitution.
A Historic Decision with Deep Implications
Today’s dismissal represents the culmination of a constitutional and institutional reckoning in Ghana. The petitions against Torkornoo cited allegations of fabricating court documents, abuse of office, and improper judicial appointments—all of which she has vehemently denied, dismissing them as politically motivated and legally unsound.
Senior judges, including former Chief Justices Sophia Akuffo and Kwasi Anin-Yeboah, along with Justice Jones Dotse, publicly testified in her defense, emphasizing that her actions aligned with routine administrative practices within the judiciary.
Why Ghana Is Watching Closely
This move has stirred intense public debate over Ghana’s adherence to democratic norms and the separation of powers:
- Judicial Independence at Risk: Critics argue that the removal signals executive overreach while sidelining due process and transparency.
- A Precedent for Instability: Ghana has a history of fraught political interference in the judiciary, with past abuses under military rule serving as solemn reminders of where unchecked power can lead.
What Comes Next?
According to constitutional provisions, the most senior Supreme Court judge—formerly Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie—has served in an acting capacity since Torkornoo’s suspension. His continued role or the appointment of a new Chief Justice remains to be formally confirmed.
Torkornoo has also appealed to the ECOWAS Court of Justice, challenging the legality of her removal and illustrating her determination to contest the process.
