Mahama Initiates Removal Process for Chief Justice, Consults Council of State

Mar 25, 2025 - 20:56

Mar 25, 2025 - 21:27

Mahama Initiates Removal Process for Chief Justice, Consults Council of State

Gertrude Torkornoo is the current Chief Justice of Ghana

Accra, Ghana - 25 March, 2025 - Ghana's President John Mahama has initiated consultations with the Council of State regarding three petitions calling for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.

Government Communications Minister, Felix Kwakye Ofosu announced this in a statement that the petitions have been forwarded to the Council of State, as stipulated in Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.

This development marks the beginning of a formal process that could potentially lead to significant changes within Ghana's judicial system. The Council of State is expected to examine the petitions and advise President Mahama on the next steps.

It's worth noting that this is not the first time Chief Justice Torkornoo has faced calls for her removal. In January this year, former President Akufo-Addo dismissed a petition filed by Prof Stephen Kwaku Asare, citing a lack of merit and insufficient evidence to warrant further investigation.

The process for removing a Chief Justice in Ghana is governed by Article 146 of the constitution, which outlines a multi-step procedure involving presidential review, prima facie assessment, and committee investigation.