Ghana’s Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo Suspended Amid Misconduct Investigation

Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo with immediate effect following the submission of three separate petitions demanding her removal from office. The petitions allege misconduct, including tampering with court records and misappropriation of public funds.

After reviewing the petitions in consultation with the Council of State, President Mahama concluded that the allegations provided sufficient grounds for a formal investigation. Consequently, the government has established a five-member investigative committee to thoroughly examine the claims. The committee is chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Pwamang and includes Daniel Domelevo, a former auditor-general, along with other legal experts.

Specific details surrounding the accusations have not been made public, but the decision to suspend Chief Justice Torkornoo marks a historic precedent as it is the first time a sitting chief justice in Ghana is being subjected to a constitutional investigation of this nature.

Torkornoo, aged 61, was appointed as Ghana’s 15th Chief Justice in June 2023 and is the third woman to hold the position. Earlier this year, she faced a separate removal petition that she successfully overcame. Her current suspension, however, signals a turning point in Ghana’s commitment to transparency and judicial accountability.

President Mahama, who took office in January 2025, has emphasized anti-corruption and institutional reform as key pillars of his administration. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched both nationally and internationally as it unfolds.