President John Mahama has suspended the country’s Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo, over allegations of misconduct. The suspension was announced on Tuesday following multiple petitions demanding her removal from office.
The decision came after three separate complaints accused the 61-year-old Chief Justice of serious misconduct, including tampering with court records and misusing public funds. Though the full details of the allegations have not yet been made public, President Mahama said a preliminary review confirmed there is enough basis to begin a formal investigation.
In a statement issued by the president’s spokesperson, it was revealed that the decision to suspend the Chief Justice was taken “in consultation with the Council of State,” a constitutional advisory body. The statement added that “a prima facie case has been established,” which means there is sufficient initial evidence to justify a deeper probe.
The president has set up a five-member investigative committee to examine the allegations. The committee will be led by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Pwamang and includes prominent figures such as former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo. The members are expected to carefully assess the evidence, hear testimonies, and deliver recommendations based on their findings.
Justice Torkornoo was appointed Chief Justice in June 2023 by former President Nana Akufo-Addo. She became Ghana’s 15th Chief Justice and the third woman to ever hold the prestigious position. Her appointment was widely celebrated as a major milestone for gender representation in Ghana’s judiciary.
This suspension marks the first time in Ghana’s democratic era that a sitting Chief Justice has been formally suspended and subjected to a constitutional investigation. In the past, judicial heads either retired after completing their terms or left office during political transitions.
The Chief Justice has not publicly responded to the suspension or the allegations. However, legal observers say the development could have far-reaching effects on the country’s judicial independence and public confidence in the courts.
President Mahama, who assumed office in January after winning the December 2024 general elections, has promised to fight corruption and restore public trust in government institutions. Since taking over leadership of the West African country, he has repeatedly spoken about the need for transparency and accountability, especially within the judiciary, which he describes as the “guardian of justice and fairness.”
Ghana, often seen as a beacon of democracy in West Africa, has generally enjoyed a reputation for stable institutions and rule of law. However, over the years, there have been increasing concerns about corruption in both political and judicial circles. The current administration believes that cleaning up the judiciary is a crucial step toward ensuring good governance and a fair society.
Speaking on a local radio station, a member of the Ghana Bar Association noted, “This is a sensitive issue, not just for the judiciary but for the country’s democracy. It is important that due process is followed and justice is done—both for the accused and for the public.”
Public reaction in Ghana has been mixed. While some citizens have praised the president’s boldness in addressing corruption at the highest levels, others are calling for caution and due process to ensure that the judiciary is not politicized. Civil society groups have urged the government to remain transparent throughout the investigation and publish the committee’s findings when ready.
Justice Torkornoo, before her appointment as Chief Justice, served as a judge on Ghana’s Court of Appeal and later on the Supreme Court. She is known for her legal scholarship and was part of several judicial reform initiatives aimed at improving the speed and transparency of court processes.
If found guilty, she could be removed from office permanently. If cleared, she could be reinstated, though observers say it would be difficult for her to return to the same position of authority after such a high-profile case.
The unfolding situation is being closely watched across West Africa and beyond, with many seeing it as a test of Ghana’s democratic resilience. As one political analyst said, “This is a defining moment. The way Ghana handles this could either strengthen or weaken public trust in the rule of law.”
