A Ghanaian citizen, Alfred Ababio Kumi, has submitted a formal petition to President John Dramani Mahama, calling for the immediate dissolution of the five-member committee investigating Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
The petition, dated 19 May 2025, follows allegations of an improper meeting between members of the committee and a lawyer representing one of the petitioners against the Chief Justice.
According to the petition, Justices Gabriel Scott Pwamang (Chairman of the committee), Samuel Adibu-Asiedu (a member of the committee), and Supreme Court Justice Yonni Kulendi were seen dining with Mr. Thaddeus Sory, counsel for one of the petitioners, at Santoku Restaurant in Accra on the evening of 15 May 2025—just hours after the committee’s first sitting.
Mr. Kumi contends that the gathering, which reportedly occurred between 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. at the Villagio-based restaurant in the Airport Residential Area, undermines the integrity of the ongoing investigation and raises serious concerns about impartiality.
Mr. Kumi argues that the presence of Justices Pwamang and Asiedu—both panel members—with Mr. Sory, who represents petitioner Daniel Ofori, creates an appearance of bias. He noted that Justice Pwamang had previously ruled in favor of Mr. Ofori in unrelated Supreme Court cases.
He further emphasized that the solemn nature of impeachment proceedings against the Chief Justice demands the highest level of transparency and neutrality, which he believes the committee no longer possesses.
Background to the Case
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo was suspended from office on 22 April 2025, following the establishment of a prima facie case against her by the President, in consultation with the Council of State. Her suspension was announced in a statement by Minister for Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
The suspension was triggered by three separate petitions submitted earlier in the year:
- Shining Stars of Ghana, represented by convenor Kingsley Agyei, filed the first petition on 14 February 2025.
- Daniel Ofori, the second petitioner, submitted his complaint on 17 March 2025, alleging 21 counts of misconduct and four counts of incompetence relating to the Chief Justice’s administrative duties.
- ACP Ayamga Yakubu Akolgo (Esq), a senior police officer, filed the third petition on the same day as the first—14 February 2025.
In accordance with Article 146(10) of the 1992 Constitution, a committee was constituted to investigate the claims, following the determination of a prima facie case by the President.
As of now, the Presidency has not responded publicly to Mr. Kumi’s petition.
Ghana|Atinkaoline.com|Philip Abutiate