Private legal practitioner, James Kofi Afedo, has filed a formal petition to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) seeking the arrest and prosecution of Ghana’s immediate past Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey-Torkornoo, over alleged financial misconduct.
According to the petition, the former Chief Justice is accused of causing financial loss to the state and misapplying public funds while serving as head of the Judicial Service of Ghana.
Details of the Petition
In the petition, Mr. Afedo wrote:
“I write as a concerned citizen of Ghana to humbly petition your high and respected office for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the former Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey-Torkornoo, for willfully causing financial loss to the state and willfully or negligently misapplying public funds entrusted to her as the head of the Judicial Service of Ghana.”
The petitioner alleges that in 2023, Justice Torkornoo:
- Used Judicial Service funds to cover the cost of her husband’s travel to Tanzania, including per diem allowances, during what was described as a private holiday trip.
- Approved payments for her daughter’s travel to the United States of America, including per diem allowances, also for a private holiday trip.
Mr. Afedo contends that these actions contravened Section 96(1)(c) and (d) of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), which governs the proper use of public funds in Ghana.
Call for EOCO’s Intervention
The petition urges EOCO to thoroughly investigate the allegations, initiate prosecution where necessary, and ensure accountability in the management of state resources.
This development has sparked debate within Ghana’s legal and political circles, as Justice Torkornoo only recently completed her tenure as Chief Justice.
Read the full petition
