Chief Justice writes to Mahama, demands petitions seeking her removal

Mar 27, 2025 - 21:15

Gertrude Torkornoo is the current Chief Justice of Ghana

Accra, Ghana - 27 Marcch, 2025 - Ghana's Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, has made a formal request to President John Dramani Mahama for copies of petitions seeking her removal from office.

This move comes after the President received three petitions and forwarded them to the Council of State for advice, as stipulated in the Constitution.

Chief Justice Torkornoo emphasized the importance of due process, citing the fundamental principle of natural justice that no adverse action should be taken against anyone without prior notice and an opportunity to respond. She requested that the petitions be forwarded to her, allowing a minimum of seven days to respond before any further action is taken.

The Chief Justice's request is grounded in Article 146 of the Constitution, which outlines the procedure for removing a Chief Justice. She stressed that both the petition and her response should be considered during consultations between the President and the Council of State before setting up a Committee of Inquiry.

“I am by this letter humbly and respectfully asking His Excellency the President and eminent members of the Council of State to forward the petitions against me to me and allow me at least seven days after receipt of the same to provide my response to you, which response can then form part of the materials that you conduct the consultation anticipated under 146(6), before the possible setting up of a Committee of Inquiry under article 146(7),” portions of the letter read.

Meanwhile, a lawsuit has been filed at the Supreme Court to halt the removal process, with the plaintiff arguing that the President's failure to notify the Chief Justice and obtain her comments before triggering the consultation process constitutes a violation of the Constitution.