Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has announced the suspension of the country’s Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo, as she faces a formal investigation into alleged misconduct.
The development marks the first time in Ghana’s history that a sitting Chief Justice is being subjected to such scrutiny under a constitutional process.
The suspension, announced Tuesday, follows the receipt of three separate petitions calling for Torkornoo’s removal.
She faces serious accusations, including alleged tampering with court records and the misuse of public resources.
In a statement released by a presidential spokesperson, Mahama stated that he had “in consultation with the Council of State, determined that a prima facie case has been established,” thus justifying the temporary removal of the Chief Justice pending the outcome of the investigation.
While specific details of the allegations remain undisclosed, the case has been handed over to a five-member investigative panel, chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Pwamang.
Notably, the committee also includes former auditor-general Daniel Domelevo, a prominent figure in Ghana’s anti-corruption movement.
Chief Justice Torkornoo, aged 61, was appointed in June 2023 as Ghana’s 15th Chief Justice, and the third woman to hold the position.
President Mahama, who assumed office in January, has vowed to tackle corruption and strengthen public accountability, signaling this investigation as a key test of that commitment.
Historically, previous Chief Justices in Ghana have exited office either through retirement or shifts in political power.
Torkornoo’s suspension sets a precedent as the first constitutional inquiry of its kind against a sitting judicial leader.
