Ghana has, for the first time in its democratic history, launched a formal investigation into a sitting Chief Justice following allegations of misconduct.
President John Mahama on Tuesday announced the suspension of Supreme Court Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo after three separate petitions called for her removal. The accusations include tampering with court records and the misuse of public funds.
“In consultation with the Council of State, the president has determined that a prima facie case has been established,” a spokesperson for the presidency said in a statement. “Justice Torkornoo has been suspended while a formal investigation is carried out.”
However, the details of the allegations are yet to be disclosed to the public, as a five-member committee has been set up to look into the matter.
The committee, chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Pwamang and includes respected former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo.
Justice Torkornoo, 61, was appointed in June 2023 as Ghana’s 15th Chief Justice, and the third woman to hold the role.
Her suspension marks a historic moment, as no sitting Chief Justice in Ghana has previously faced such a probe through a constitutional process.
President Mahama, who assumed office in January, has repeatedly emphasized his administration’s commitment to fighting corruption. The probe into the judiciary’s top office appears to be a strong signal of that promise.
