Former Member of Parliament for Akim Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea, has cautioned that the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo will have lasting consequences for Ghana’s judicial system.
Speaking in an interview with TV3’s Beatrice Adu, Mr. Atta Akyea noted that while he remains careful in commenting as a legal practitioner, the precedent set could trigger a troubling cycle.
“I practice before the court, so I am mindful of what I say. Whatever it is, there are consequences. You will get another who will say, ‘When I don’t like this Chief Justice, I will change the person.’ That is going to be a vicious cycle,” he said.
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Background to the removal
Chief Justice Torkornoo was officially removed from office on Monday, September 1, 2025, by President John Dramani Mahama. The decision followed the submission of a report from a five-member committee constituted under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution to investigate petitions calling for her removal.
According to a statement from the Presidency, the committee found that the grounds of “stated misbehaviour” under Article 146(1) had been established, and therefore recommended her dismissal. Acting under Article 146(9), the President was constitutionally bound to carry out the committee’s recommendation.
Committee of inquiry
The five-member panel was chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang. Other members included former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Major Flora Bazaanura Dalugo of the Ghana Armed Forces, and Professor James Sefah Dzisah of the University of Ghana.
Justice Pwamang explained that the committee’s mandate was to conduct the inquiry in camera, give the Chief Justice the opportunity to defend herself either personally or through legal representation, and then submit a recommendation to the President.
Suspension before removal
Justice Torkornoo had earlier been suspended on April 22, 2025, after a prima facie case was established against her based on three separate petitions. The suspension, in line with Article 146(6) of the Constitution, was done in consultation with the Council of State.
Her eventual removal marks the culmination of months of constitutional processes initiated by petitions from citizens, including Mr. Daniel Ofori, who sought her ouster.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem