The committee investigating petitions for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo has presented an update to President John Dramani Mahama.
The Chair of the committee, Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, recalled that in March this year, three separate petitions were submitted under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, calling for the removal of the Chief Justice.
Justice Pwamang recalled that in March this year, three separate petitions were submitted under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, calling for the removal of the Chief Justice.
He stated, “Mr. President, in March this year you received 3 petitions pursuant to Act 146 of the 1992 Constitution for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Esaaba Araba Sackey Torkonoo, and the public was made aware of this fact.”
According to him, although all three petitions seek the same relief, each petition stands on its own merits and will succeed or fail based on its individual strengths or weaknesses.
At a meeting with the President on September 1, 2025, Justice Pwamang officially presented President Mahama with the conclusions of the committee’s probe regarding the first petition.
Addressing the first petition which was filed by Mr. Daniel Ofori, Justice Pwamang the committee received about 10,000 pages of documentary evidence from paries. He added that 4 lawyers represented Daniel Ofori and 4 lawyers represented the Chief Justice as well.
“We can state that in respect of the first petition, we received evidence by Mr. Daniel Ofori, the first petitioner, through 13 witnesses. Similarly, the Chief Justice, in her defense called 12 witnesses including expert witnesses as she is entitled to. The Chief Justice testified personally and was cross examined,” Justice Pwamang noted.
The committee then presented their findings to President Mahama, who is expected to consider the recommendations in line with constitutional provisions.
“Mr President, after critical and dispassionate examination and assessment of all evidence, including the expert evidence against the provision of the constitution and the relevant laws, we have without fear of favour arrived at a recommendation on the first petition,” said the Chair.
The other 2 petitions are still pending and remain under review.
Chief Justice Torkonoo has been suspended since April 2025, after President Mahama determined there was a prima facie case based on allegations of abuse of office, fabrication of court records, and improper appointments. Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie currently serves as Acting Chief Justice.
