President John Dramani Mahama has suspended the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, following the establishment of a prima facie case in relation to three petitions filed against her.
A statement signed by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, indicated that the President took the decision in accordance with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State.
The President has also constituted a five-member committee to investigate the allegations raised in the petitions. The members of the committee are:
1. Justice Gabriel Scott Wamang– Justice of the Supreme Court (Chairman)
2. Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu – Justice of the Supreme Court (Member)
3. Daniel Yaw Domelevo – Former Auditor-General (Member)
4. Major Flora Bazaanura Dalugo – Ghana Armed Forces (Member)
5. Professor James Sefah Dzisah – Associate Professor, University of Ghana (Member)
In accordance with Article 146(10) of the Constitution, and upon the advice of the Council of State, President Mahama has signed a warrant suspending Justice Torkornoo from office pending the outcome of the committee’s work.
The move is seen as a significant development in Ghana’s judicial and constitutional history, as it marks a rare instance of a sitting Chief Justice being formally investigated.
Further updates are expected as the committee begins its inquiry.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com