President John Dramani Mahama has, in accordance with Article 146(9) of the 1992 Constitution, removed the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkonoo, from office with immediate effect.
According to a statement from the Presidency the development follows receipt of the report of the Committee constituted under Article 146(6) to inquire into a petition submitted by a Ghanaian citizen, Daniel Ofori. After considering the petition and the evidence, the Committee found that the grounds of stated misbehaviour under Article 146(1) had been established and recommended her removal from office.
Under Article 146(9), the President is required to act in accordance with the committee’s recommendation.
Gertrude Torkornoo was suspended by President Mahama after the Pwamang committee had been established to probe the petitions. The suspended Chief Justice had a number of cases filed at the Supreme Court seeking to stop the committee from proceeding with the probe and for her reinstatement all dismissed. She consequently proceeded to the ECOWAS Community Court where she is seeking damages of $10 million.
