President John Dramani Mahama has officially dismissed Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo from office, following recommendations from the Article 146 Committee of Inquiry.
The decision was announced in a statement released by the Minister of Government Communications on Monday, September 1, 2025.
According to the statement, President Mahama acted in line with Article 146(9) of the 1992 Constitution, after receiving the final report of the Committee that investigated multiple petitions seeking Justice Torkornoo’s removal.
“President John Dramani Mahama has, in accordance with Article 146(9) of the 1992 Constitution, removed the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkonoo, from office with immediate effect. This follows receipt of the report of the Committee constituted under Article 146(6) to inquire into a petition submitted by a Ghanaian citizen, Mr. Daniel Ofori. After considering the petition and the evidence, the Committee found that the grounds of stated misbehaviour under Article 146(1) had been established and recommended her removal from office,” the statement explained.
Background to the Removal
Justice Torkornoo’s removal comes after three separate petitions were submitted earlier this year, alleging misconduct and calling for her dismissal. Following the establishment of a prima facie case, President Mahama suspended her from office on April 22, 2025, in consultation with the Council of State, in line with Article 146(6) of the Constitution.
Subsequently, a five-member committee of inquiry was constituted to investigate the allegations. The committee was chaired by Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang of the Supreme Court, with members including:
- Mr. Daniel Yaw Domelevo, former Auditor-General
- Major Flora Bazaanura Dalugo, Ghana Armed Forces
- Professor James Sefah Dzisah, Associate Professor, University of Ghana
Committee’s Findings
Presenting the report to the President, Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang emphasized that the Committee acted within its constitutional mandate under Article 146(7) and (8). He explained that the Committee heard the petitions in camera, granted Justice Torkornoo the opportunity to defend herself with legal representation, and made its recommendations based on the evidence presented.
The Committee concluded that the grounds of “stated misbehaviour” had been sufficiently proven, warranting her dismissal from office.
