Ghana’s President Mahama Suspends Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo Over Misconduct

Ghana’s President, John Mahama, has suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo following some petitions accusing her of misconduct. The move, announced on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, comes after an initial review found enough evidence to warrant a full investigation.

The decision was made in consultation with the Council of State and in line with Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which outlines how top judicial officers can be removed from office. This marks the first time in the country’s history that a sitting Chief Justice has been suspended through a formal constitutional process.

Justice Torkornoo, 61, was appointed in June 2023 as Ghana’s 15th – and third female- Chief Justice. She now faces five petitions, the first three submitted earlier this year, and two more recently added. Although the full details remain confidential, insiders say the allegations include tampering with court records and misusing public funds.

As required by law, the Chief Justice was given 10 days to respond to the initial three petitions. She submitted her reply on April 7. However, the President concluded that there was enough cause for concern to justify a deeper investigation.

A five-member committee has been set up to carry out the probe. It is chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Pwamang and includes prominent figures like former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo. The committee will now review the claims in detail and decide whether the Chief Justice should be removed from office.

In the meantime, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonni, the most senior judge on the Supreme Court, has been appointed to serve as Acting Chief Justice.

The suspension has stirred national debate. While some, including opposition politicians and legal experts, fear the move could be politically motivated, others argue that it shows the Constitution is working as intended. However, Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh of the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development has urged the government to be more transparent about the process to maintain public trust in the legal system.

Interestingly, this is not the first time Justice Torkornoo has faced attempts to remove her. A similar petition was rejected under former President Akufo-Addo for being flawed.

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