President Mahama Removes Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from Office

Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo has been removed from office by President John Dramani Mahama, effective immediately. This decision follows the submission of a report by a committee established under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution to investigate a petition filed by Ghanaian citizen Daniel Ofori. The committee concluded that grounds of stated misbehavior under Article 146(1) had been established against the Chief Justice, recommending her removal from office.

Key Points:

– Reason for Removal: Stated misbehavior, as determined by the committee and upheld by the President

– Committee’s Investigation: The committee reviewed approximately 10,000 pages of documentary evidence, heard testimony from 13 witnesses for the petitioner and 12 witnesses for the Chief Justice, and concluded that grounds for removal had been established

– Constitutional Basis: Article 146(9) of the 1992 Constitution mandates the President to act in accordance with the committee’s recommendations

– Historic Precedent: Justice Torkonoo is the first sitting Chief Justice in Ghana’s Fourth Republic to be removed through a constitutional impeachment process

– Next Steps: Arrangements will be made for the appointment of an Acting Chief Justice until a substantive nomination is made to Parliament for approval.