Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has formally responded to the petitions seeking her removal from office, meeting the April 7 deadline set by President John Dramani Mahama.
Sources confirm that the Chief Justice submitted her written reply to both the President and the Council of State, marking a critical phase in the constitutional process. This comes after President Mahama granted her a 10-day window to respond following the submission of the petitions.
With her defense now filed, the Council of State is expected to review the documents to determine whether there are sufficient grounds to proceed with further action. The exact nature of the allegations against the Chief Justice—as well as the details of her response—remain undisclosed to the public.
Background
The development follows President Mahama’s directive for Justice Torkornoo to address three separate petitions challenging her position. Earlier, the Chief Justice had formally requested copies of the petitions, a move that sparked controversy after her letter to the President was leaked on social media before official review.
In a letter to Justice Torkornoo, President Mahama expressed disappointment over the premature circulation of her correspondence, which had been shared alongside a separate letter she sent to the President of the Supreme Court, the Association of Magistrates and Judges, and the Ghana Bar Association (GBA).
The petitions, which have stirred intense debate in legal and political circles, question the Chief Justice’s conduct and fitness for office. While the specific allegations remain confidential, the case has escalated into a high-stakes constitutional matter.Legal experts suggest that Justice Torkornoo’s response will be pivotal in determining whether the Council of State recommends further proceedings, including a potential formal inquiry.
