Ghanaian President John Mahama has suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, marking the first time in the country’s history that a sitting head of the judiciary has been removed from office pending investigations. The suspension comes amid three undisclosed petitions filed against her, sparking widespread debate over the implications for judicial independence in Ghana.
Justice Torkornoo, who was appointed in 2023 by former President Nana Akufo-Addo, is Ghana’s third female chief justice. Her suspension has ignited concern among legal experts and political observers alike, with critics arguing that the move could severely undermine the judiciary’s autonomy. Former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame described the suspension as “the biggest assault on the independence of the judiciary in the nation’s history,” calling the process “a complete charade.”
While the specific allegations remain undisclosed, the president’s decision has raised questions about transparency and due process. Initially, the contents of the petitions were not shared with Justice Torkornoo a move many legal analysts have called a violation of her right to a fair hearing. However, following public pressure, copies of the petitions were eventually made available to her, allowing her to respond privately in writing.
The chief justice is now expected to appear before a five-member investigative committee to address the petitions further before any final determination is made on her potential removal. Under Ghanaian law, a chief justice can only be removed on grounds such as incompetence or misbehaviour, making this case not only rare but also legally complex.
Justice Torkornoo, known for her commitment to judicial reform and integrity, has yet to comment publicly on the matter. Meanwhile, legal professionals and civil society groups continue to call for transparency and adherence to constitutional safeguards during the proceedings.
As the nation watches closely, the outcome of this unprecedented case could set a lasting precedent for how judicial accountability and executive power intersect in Ghana’s democracy.
